Planning Application

Here is the latest planning application within the local area. Although this application falls within the Walderslade ward, it is very close to the Princes Park border as Princes Avenue divides between the two.

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Princes Avenue

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posted by matt bright.

Surgery

This Saturday Cllr Pat Gulvin was joined by the local PC, Dave Saunders.
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We are hoping that this arrangement will become more permanent on future surgeries adding to the service that we are providing to the residents of Princes Park.
Sometimes residents come with issues that need police attention as well as the councils, so we will be able to give more definitive answers with both authorities there.
This week we had a resident arrive from Redwing Road, not with a problem but to thank the Princes Park team in improving their immediate area after we resolved a few issues.
Its nice to receive some recognition for our work from local residents.
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posted by matt bright.

Road Improvements

There are to be road improvements carried out on Scotby Avenue starting this week and will be completed within 5 working days.

The work will involve cold milling and the resurfacing of the carriageway.

This is good news for the local residents as the state of the road surface has become quite appalling in recent months.

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posted by matt bright.

Ward Profile

This is the latest ward profile for Princes Park that I have received for September 2007.

These are the latest incidents that have been reported to Medway Council.

Fly Tipping

Incidents reported x3 - Henley Close.

x2 - Brenzett Close, Fisher Road.

x1 - Glamis Close, Highgrove Road, Illustrious Close, Princes Avenue, Romney Road, Ryde Close, Swift Crescent.

Abandoned Vehicles

Incidents reported x3 - Spitfire Close.

x2 - Princes Avenue, Ryde Close.

x1 - Illustrious Close.

Needles

Incidents reported x1 - Redwing Road.

posted by matt bright.

Saturday Surgery

This Saturday (1st December) is surgery time again and will be hosted by Cllr Pat Gulvin.

The event will take place between 10-11am and is at the Christ the King Church in Dove Close.

If you have any issues locally please feel free to pop in, no appointment is needed.

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posted by matt bright.

Planning Applications

There are two planning applications this week that are situated within the Princes Park ward.

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Swift Crescent

Princes Avenue

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posted by matt bright.

Christmas Fayre

Christmas Fayre

There will be a Christmas Fayre in aid of charity at Christ the King (next to Morrisons) on Saturday 24th November 11am-2pm.

Stalls include Cakes, Cards, Gifts & Toys. Also Christmas Craft. So if you need stocking fillers for the children, potted bulbs or even card accessories. Please go along. If you do not want anything why not just pop in with your friends for a cup of tea and a chat.

If you are very good you maybe able to visit Father Christmas in his Grotto.

Posted by Pat

ROCHESTER FARMERS MARKET

ROCHESTER FARMERS MARKET

I was lucky enough to get to the market this morning. It is only on every third Sunday of the month so I do not always manage to make it. I have been very lucky as this is two months running that I have been able to enjoy the market. It was really cold but there were lots of people about. The stalls selling hot sausages or beefburgers were doing a roaring trade. Also the hot spiced apple juice went down a treat.

Posted by Pat

Cabinet Decisions

Here are the latest decisions made by Medway Councils cabinet on 6th November 2007.

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Please click here to view the link.

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posted by matt bright.

Surgery

Last weeks surgery welcomed one resident from Vulcan Close. The issue has been passed onto the Princes Park warden and will be shortly resolved.

On a whole the monthly surgeries have been reasonably successful over the last few months and we may plan to keep them ongoing after the 6 month trial period.

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posted by matt bright.

Capstone Valley Referendum

Capstone Valley Referendum

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I thought you would like to see a few photos of the count. It was held yesterday in Lordswood Leisure Centre.

The results were fantastic!

This should show Medway Magna that the people of Medway have made a enough. WE DO NOT WANT CAPSTONE VALLEY DESTROYED. The results will be published in the local paper this week. Like the idiot, I am, I forgot to get the exact number. I know it was over 3000 to approx. 20.

I would like to say a special thank you to all the shops and businesses that held the ballot boxes. They were quite large and they must have got in the way sometimes. However, no one complained and all the shopkeepers and business people were so supportive. Of course I have to add a special thank you to Barry at the local post office in Princes Park. It was the only ballot box in Princes Park and he was kept quite busy. He even had to repair the box when a child sat on it.

Over 400 ballot papers were in his box, this is marvellous. I had 50+ either posted to me or popped through my letterbox.

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posted by Pat

Safer Communities

Here are the latest statistics regarding Princes Park. These are reported incidents which happened during August 2007.
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Fly Tipping
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x4 - Heathfield Close, Sundridge Drive.
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x1 - Defiant Close, Goose Close, Henley Close, Highgrove Road, Heron Way, Merivale Grove, Ryde Close, Solent Gardens, Wiltshire Close, Wittersham Close.
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Abandoned Vehicles
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x2 - Emily Road.
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x1 - Glenwood Close.
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Although there is always room for improvement in the ward these are very good results compared to other wards in Medway.
I'll be contacting the warden shortly to discuss if there have been any further problems in Heathfield Close and Sundridge Drive regarding fly tipping.
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posted by matt bright.

Surgery

This Saturday is surgery day and I will be hosting it from 10am to 11am.
If there are any issues you have within Princes Park please come and pay me a visit, no appointment is needed.
It is held in Christ the King church in Dove Close.
Details of attendance figures will be published later next week.
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posted by matt bright.

Planning Application

There is one planning application this week within the Princes Park ward.

There were no applications last week involving the local area.

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Ryegrass Close

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posted by matt bright.

An Evening with Rt Hon Dave Davis MP

Last week, me along with several colleagues from our local association had the pleasure of having a meal with the Shadow Home Secretary Dave Davis who was a guest of Tracey Crouch.

After Tracey introduced him during the meal to individual members he gave a fantastic after dinner speech that seemed to captivate the whole audience.

Three main subjects were addressed by Dave Davis, drugs, crime and immigration. He spoke of how simple and effective these issues can be dealt with under a Conservative run government.

I, for one was very impressed with his manner, deliverance and sheer will to succeed as Home Secretary during his speech and would feel far safer and happier living in this country with him at the helm compared to the current Labour Home Secretary.

posted by matt bright.

Un-Fair Funding Deal

The Council is having to campaign for a Fair Funding Deal for residents as the Labour Government are giving Medway less funding compared to other Councils per head of the population.
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There are fears that in future years the settlement will be even worse then it is currently.
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The funding settlement by the Labour Government had a reduction of £4.5 million before the financial year begun (compared with previous years) with further news in the near future set to look even worse.
Compared to other Councils Medway residents get a poor deal.
All figures below are per resident per year.
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Walsall Council - £465-00
Peterborough City Council - £405-00
Medway Council - £284-00
If Medway received the same deal as Nottingham do then they would have an extra £60 million to spend with a portion of that coming to Princes Park.
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The whole funding issue has left Medway Council with a financial crisis that could have been critical. However, without affecting front line services it is predicted that £2.8 million can be saved by the introduction of a moratorium on discretionary spending, a recruitment freeze and other measures.
Despite all this, Medway Council has been judged by the Government as officially giving 'good value for money'.
It also boasts as having the lowest Council Tax in Kent (£152 lower then neighbouring Kent authorities) and the 13th (band D) lowest in the country!
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posted by matt bright.

Farmers Market

Farmers Market


It was the farmers market again last Sunday. It is held in Rochester; the third Sunday of every month. We love to go along if we are free, all the produce is fairly local and the quality is excellent!

Now the weather is getting colder the hot spicy apple juice is on sale. It goes down really well and my husband always gets a sausage bun from one of the stalls, to eat with it. We always come away piled high with fresh vegetables, fruit and of course nice fresh eggs. This time we bought some partridges to try. I must admit I have not tried them before, but as they say 'you are never too old'.

We must be truthful and say one of our favourite stalls is the wine stall. Yes England does produce some excellent wine. The Meopham Valley Vineyard has won many prizes and it is worth going along and having a sample. Their Sparkling wine is second to none. So no need to go to France for your Champagne, just pop along to Rochester and buy English.

You can also buy cheeses, crafts, and this month some beautiful paintings.

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posted by pat

Coney Banks

LITTER PICKING ON CONEY BANKS


Tracey Crouch’s action group were out in force on Saturday. Tracey had a request from residents to try and tidy up the Coney Banks. We made quite a collection which included a “men at work” sign.

You never know what will turn up!

Some new “kissing gates” had just been installed and someone had already put graffiti on them. Never fear, Pat was out with her graffiti gun and cleaned it up. If you remember from earlier blogs the action team has also worked in Princes Park. So it was our turn to help another area.

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Posted by Pat

This Weeks Application

There is only one application this week that falls within the Princes Park ward.

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Chevening Close

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posted by matt bright.

Safer Communities June 2007

Here are the latest statistics for reported incidents to Customer First and the council regarding Princes Park.

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Fly Tipping

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Incidents x4 - Heathfield Close.

Incidents x3 - Ryde Close, Wiltshire Close.

Incidents x2 - Fisher Road.

Incidents x1 - Shanklin Close, Sundridge Drive, Defiant Close, Emily Road, Freshwater Road, Kinross Close, Somerset Close, Spitfire Close and Vulcan Close.

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Abandoned Vehicles

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Reported x2 - Highgrove Road, Illustrious Close, Manchester Close.

Reported x1 - Aldington Close, Bilsington Close, Freshwater Road, Glenwood Close, Mermaid Close and Spitfire Close.

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There was also one reported incident of a needle that was found in Ryde Close.

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The reported fly tipping seems to mostly come from one area around the top of Heron Way. We will be contacting the local warden to make him aware of this constant problem in that certain area so he can monitor the situation.

The reason why we post these figures is to show that Medway Council do log everything that is reported to them and it then channels its way to Pat and myself.

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Again, the figures are good in comparison to other areas within Medway but there is always room for improvement to try and stamp out these anti social problems.

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posted by matt bright.

Maundene School

PARKING!



Yesterday the local warden, Brian Mooney, asked me if I would like to pop along to Maundene school at around 3 o’clock. I was told that the PCSO had been there a few days monitoring the parking outside the school. They knew that I had been very concerned about it. Some one did tell me I should not get involved, as the people illegally parking were voters. As I said I would rather lose their vote in the next election than lose a child because of their thoughtlessness. I really think that most of it is that people do not think. They are in a hurry to pick their child up and do not think of the danger to other children they are causing.

What did upset me was to hear that the day before the young PCSO was sworn at. He is really concerned about the safety of the children at the school and did not deserve that kind of abuse! The PSCO and the warden have said that they would give up their own time to help get the walking bus going. Morrisons have said they were more than happy for parents to park in their car park. But no one seems to be taking them up on the idea.

After the children had left the PCSO Peter Rose and the warden cut back the bushes around the signs in Swallow Rise. That way people can see what the restrictions are.
They said they had both had problems themselves in other areas where they have not been able to see signs correctly.

Posted by Pat

Saturday Surgery

Surgery

Saturday 6th October I had councillor surgery at the local church. Five residents popped into see me. Next surgery we hope to have the police with us as well. This has just got to be finalised. There were residents from Highgrove about the alley, Shackleton about litter and Redwing about the rubbish left by the children on the green.
We, that’s Matt and I, have been working with the council officers, the local police,
and our local warden, on these problems. It would be nice to think we could wave a magic wand and all our ills would disappear. I am afraid though this is the real world.
It does take time and a lot of work by the police etc. But we are getting there and we hope we will win in the end.
Posted by Pat

Latest Planning Application

This is the latest planning application regarding the Princes Park ward.

There is just the single entry this week.

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Prince Charles Avenue

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posted by matt bright.

Police Warning

POLICE WARNING!!!!


I had a very pleasant phone call from our local PC, our PC Saunders. He told me off for not putting much on the blog lately. So here I am making up for lost time. Mind you I have been very busy, as many of you know. The leaflets for the Save Capstone Valley Referendum have nearly all been delivered now. I am sure I must be a lot shorter, wearing away at my poor old feet. There are a few roads left to do which I hope to finish tomorrow. So if you have not had one yet please be patient. If you have not had one by Saturday please let me know.

My husband had an interesting encounter. He was walking along Chatham High Street with a ballot box. It was to be delivered to the restaurant Yoons for people to put their ballot papers in. Well a women came up to him and put her ballot into the box. See people really want this ballot to do well. I have a lot posted to my house. Some people have given them to me when they have seen me delivering. This is one we really must win. If we loss Capstone Valley they will think they can get rid of all our Greenbelt.

Any way back to PC Saunders. He really did ring for a reason. It is to do with the surgeries we hold. He thought it would be a good idea if we had a joint Police and Councillor surgery. I agree as quite a few problems do overlap. That way we may have a better chance of helping.

Posted by Pat

Princes Park Saturday Surgery

It's Surgery time again and this months advice centre will be held this Saturday (6th October) at the church in Dove Close.

The surgery starts at 10am and runs for an hour. Cllr Pat Gulvin will be hosting the event this time, so if any local residents have a problem locally please feel free to drop in (no appointment necessary) to meet Pat.

Details of attendance will be posted on this blogsite next week.

posted by matt bright.

Planning Applications for this Week

These are the latest planning applications to be taken from the Medway Council website.

There are 2 applications this week from the Princes Park area.

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Spencer Close

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Highgrove Road

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posted by matt bright.

Capstone Valley Deliveries

On Saturday, I (3rd from left) joined 20 volunteers who are local residents, Councillors and Association members in helping Tracey Crouch deliver 22,000 ballot papers to local homes.

The local areas included Lordswood, Walderslade, Weedswood, Chatham, Luton, Wayfield and of course Princes Park.

The ballot paper provided in the envelope asks a simple question;

Do you support the Campaign to Save Capstone Valley?

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You have 2 choices, simply either a yes or no.

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Now, I'm presuming there will be a very high percentage of 'yes' votes probably in the 90% region. However, the count of the ballot papers will be counted under independent scrutiny and the results will be announced in the local press.

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Sadly, the referendum has no legal authority, but a massive vote against the proposals will show Medway Magna the level of opposition in the Medway area. With the strength of local feeling this will help in the fight to stop the building from happening and will assist your local Conservative Council who are fighting the proposals all the way.

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This will add to the 11,000 people who have already signed our several petitions. You can find a link to one of the petitions on the right hand side of this blogsite.

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If you do receive a ballot paper, please fill it in and return it. The details on where to post the ballot paper are on the rear of the letter.

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Surely, with this level of local support and the total backing of your local Conservative run Medway Council Medway Magna will finally get the message and leave Capstone Valley for future generations.

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posted by matt bright.

SAVE CAPSTONE VALLEY

SAVE CAPSTONE VALLEY CAMPAIGN

I, like many others, this weekend have been out delivering ‘ballot papers’ to the residents in Chatham. I have been covering Princes Park. Yes yet again I have been playing at being a mountain goat. I am either getting older or those hills are getting steeper.

The reason for the referendum is to highlight the campaign to save Capstone Valley. When the papers come through your door please take a few minutes to read it. Your Conservative Council are opposing the development and have pledged not to sell any land they own for housing. The problem is Medway Magna Group are taking it to appeal with the Planning Inspectors who have the power to overturn any Council decision

It looks as if we will be getting plenty of support. On Saturday a charming couple from Chegwell Drive stopped me. They had just been into the village to put their ballot paper in. It had only been delivered to their house about half an hour earlier.
I have also had a nice young lady come to my house and ask if she could help.

I would like to say a big thank you to all the shops that are holding the ballot boxes. They do take up a lot of their valuable space but they have all found a prominent place for them. This is really appreciated and I hope it brings it lots of people to shop in their stores.

posted by Pat

CCTV

Over recent times I have had many debates with people about the uses of CCTV.

I can happily say that I am in favour of the cameras and seeing the latest statistics released by Medway Council it only concretes my opinion.

Many people say it infringes their human rights etc etc, but all I am interested in is stopping crime and making the area a safer place to live in.

The figures (from last year) are as follows;

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Crimes committed and witnessed on CCTV in Medway - 2,068

Known arrests due to the CCTV footage - 979

Some of the offences include;

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Anti social behaviour: 310 crimes - 54 arrests (17.42%)
Drug-related crime: 34 crimes - 17 arrests (50%)
Shoplifting: 452 crimes - 154 arrests (34.13%)

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Without them cameras a high percentage of the 979 arrested would have escaped arrest.

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Pat and I are campaigning heavily within the Council to introduce some CCTV for the Princes Park ward, whether it be permanent or just some mobile cameras. This hopefully will then cut down on anti social behaviour and other petty crimes within the hot spots in Princes Park.

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Click here to view the full story from the Medway council website.

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posted by matt bright.

Graffiti target surpassed

On the 25th May 2007 a target of 100 sites in 100 days was set by Medway Council involving graffiti.

After the 100 days I am pleased to announce that the target has been met with ease, with 180 different sites being cleaned up.

This was achieved by using 2 dedicated officers and a new state-of-the-art graffiti removal machine.

Although there is not a serious problem with graffiti in Princes Park compared to other areas there is still a problem generally and we (especially Pat) do not like to see it.

If you see any graffiti, the quickest way to have it removed is by contacting Customer First on 333333.

To view the full story about the success of the graffiti team please click here.

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posted by matt bright.

Planning Application

This weeks planning application involves one of the schools within the Princes Park ward.
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Kingfisher School
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posted by matt bright.

Road Improvements

Some road re-surfacing is to be carried out in the very near future in Princes Park.

The main road that is due for re-surfacing in the area is Scotby Avenue, this is long over due and will make an immediate improvement to the local residents.

The roadworks are part of a £1.8million contract in Medway to repair and re-surface roads and paths.

If you know of any paths or roads that you feel are in need of some serious attention please contact myself or Pat.

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posted by matt bright.

New Planning Applications

Here are this weeks planning applications regarding residents within Princes Park.

There are two applications;

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Sundridge Drive

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Barleymow Close.

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posted by matt bright.

Safer Communities

I was handed some statistics recently regarding complaints made during May 2007. These are reported incidents regarding fly tipping, abandoned vehicles and graffiti.

The amount of complaints are low compared to other wards within Medway Council.

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Fly Tipping

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Incidents reported x2; Emily Road, Wiltshire Close.

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Incidents reported x1; Berkshire Close, Fisher Road, Hampshire Close, Heathfield Close, Heron Way, Highgrove Road, Mermaid Close, Princes Avenue, Ryde Close, Somerset Close, Sundridge Drive.

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Abandoned Vehicles

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Incidents reported x3; Highgrove Road.

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Incidents reported x2; Brenzett Close, Heron Way.

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Incidents reported x1; Anglesey Close, Flamingo Close, Freshwater Road, Goose Close, Manchester Close.

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Graffiti

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Incidents reported x3; Mermaid Close.

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Incidents reported x1; Swallow Rise.

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This gives you a breakdown of the hotspots in Princes Park, but we are pleased to say that all the reported incidents have been dealt with.

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posted by matt bright.

Princes Park Warden

We have a change of personnel in Princes Park regarding the warden position.
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His name is Brian Mooney and he used to be part of the Medway Community Safety Team.
He was featured on this blog a couple of months ago.
The wardens job has been expanded combining these duties with the safety team responsibilities.
As well as carrying out normal warden duties he can give out litter ticket fines etc if a member of the public is caught in the act.
Pat and I have met and worked with Brian on a few occasions and he is very dedicated to the job looking to make a real difference in the area.
We will be updating him on issues locally in Princes Park over the next week to bring him totally up to date on what needs to be addressed.
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posted by matt bright.

Recent Planning Application

This is the most recent planning application in the Princes Park ward.

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This application was posted on the Medway Council website last week.

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Shanklin Close

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posted by matt bright.

Saturday Surgery Update

A big thank you to all the residents who attended our Princes Park Saturday Surgery last week (01/09/2007).

We had residents from Shackleton Close, Greenacre Close, Redwing Road and Defiant close.

Pat and I are liaising with our local warden in trying to resolve the issued raised.

The turn out makes it worthwhile in holding an advice centre, the first of its kind in a very long time in Princes Park.

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posted by matt bright.

LITTER BIN

Litter Bin


I was very pleasantly surprised to see a litterbin along side the bus stop in Swallow Rise. Matt and I had both said that one was needed there. If you had seen how much rubbish we cleared from that area, you would understand why. We certainly hope it helps keep the area tidier.

I would also like to say a big thank you to the person who cleaned the graffiti off the garages in Swallow Rise. I had seen it and had meant to clean it off but someone kindly beat me to it. We have a few unsung heroes around Princes Park who pick litter up, and keep some of the verges tidy. We may not know whom you are, but are appreciated.
Posted by Pat

Artistic Roller Skating


We are very lucky to have a very talented young lady living in Princes Park. Her name is Vicky Kemp. Vicky has been skating since she was three years old, and she is almost eighteen now. She has won numerous trophies and medals over the period she has been skating. She has been British Champion three times, including winning both solo dance and freestyle Championships and just this year took the silver medal in the Junior Championship which resulted in a selection for the Junior World Demonstration Event when she will compete in Australia in October.

Vicky will also be competing in the Cup of Europe in Portugal, an event she has been selected for five times.

I will keep you informed of her progress. Also if there is any person or company that would like to sponsor her please contact me. Even a small donation would be a great help to her as she is trying to raise money to take her coach with her.
Posted by Pat

Saturday Surgery

This Saturday is surgery time again for Princes Park, how quickly has this last month passed! The surgery will be held between 10-11am in the Christ the King Church. If you are not aware of its location, it is situated in Dove Close opposite Morrisons.

I will be your host this Saturday.

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posted by matt bright.

Application for Planning

There is one planning application that we need to update you with in Princes Park dated from last week.

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Highgrove Road

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posted by matt bright

Kites Over Capstone

Kites over Capstone


A few of us brave souls braved the rain on Sunday. We went to Capstone for the kite flying but all we managed was to get wet. We also took the petition to save Capstone Valley from the developers. Unfortunately as there were only a few brave souls there we did not get the number we had hoped for. But we have not given up and you will see us around asking for your signature and support.

posted by Pat

Planning Application

There is just the one planning application in Princes Park this week and it is in;

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Henley Close

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posted by matt bright.

Blue Bags

After leaving for work early Monday morning I was quite amazed to see how many people are using the recycling blue bag service.

It seems the 2 weekly collection service appears to be very popular with the residents of Medway and Princes Park.

Medway recycling rates are above the national average proving that your Conservative run Council seem to be getting the right mix with the brown bin collections on the alternate weeks

Previously the blue box scheme wasn't as popular due to the size of the boxes and the lack of a lid. All that was needed was a large gush of wind and all your cardboard would be strewn across the road.

The blue bags are approximately the same size as a black rubbish sack and can be collected from the Medway Council offices in Military Road, Chatham or by simply phoning 333333.

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posted by matt bright.

This Weeks Planning Application

There is just the one planning application this week that falls within the Princes Park ward.

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Brenzett Close

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posted bt matt bright.

Kissing Gates

On Thursday of last week myself, Cllr Pat Gulvin, PC Dave Saunders,CPSO (Jessica) and two Council Officers (Mark and Trisha) held a ward visit to highlight some of the problem areas.

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One of the main issues that was mentioned to us by the police was the pathway that runs along the top of Morrisons car park involving motorbikes.

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As we were discussing this with the Council Officers a member of the public approached us and mentioned the same problem.

One of the suggestions the Council are looking into is the introduction of some 'kissing gates' that would be placed across the pathway stopping motorbikes from using it as a cut through. The public can still access the pathway even with baby buggies etc if they were installed.

Ideally we would like CCTV to be placed nearby to cover the walkway, Pat and I will be pushing the Council to have this installed.

If we get our wish then we will post the results on this blogsite.

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posted by matt bright.

Saturday Surgery

During Saturdays surgery nobody arrived, this means either there are no problems in Princes Park (in an ideal world that would be great) or the surgery hasn't been advertised enough.

We have produced our first 'in touch' newsletter since the election which will be delivered throughout the course of August.

The newsletter contains information on what we have been trying to achieve in the last couple of months with the front page containing details of the next surgery.

This will be distributed to nearly 4,000 houses in Princes Park, so if everybody reads the leaflet then everyone in Princes Park will know about the forthcoming surgeries.

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That should keep Cllr Gulvin busy on Saturday September 1st!

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posted by matt bright.

Graffiti

Graffiti




As promised I went out and cleaned off some graffiti this morning. I am now worn out. But seriously I said I would have a go at clearing some more off, so this morning I started on Mermaid Close. I hope you think it looks a bit cleaner. As I was leaving I did notice that there were still a few marks. I will leave it and see if it fades if not I will have another go.

Right, where do you want me to go next?

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posted by Pat