Chathams Regeneration Sites

Chathams broad ambitions for development has been divided into three regeneration areas, and these are the master plans that have been produced;

1) Chatham Waterfront

.

2) The Brook

.

3) Station Gateway

.

.

Chatham Waterfront........................

Chatham Waterfront will stretch from Globe Lane, to the Command House pub right round to the Sun Pier. The idea behind the plan is the create a striking waterfront right at the heart of the City of Medway. The mix in this area will include residential, business and community uses.

Proposals have been put forward for a hotel, conference centre, major theatre and even a waterside park.

The Brook...........................................

The plan for The Brook is to widen the road and the path for a more improved residential zone that will span between The Brook and the Great Lines. This will also include a lively boulevard with new shops, leisure facilities and new homes.

Station Gateway................................

The whole of this plan is centred around Chatham railway Station. The main master plan is looking to create a new business quarter with a much more improved and vaster arrival point for passengers travelling by bus and rail to Chatham. This will be a gateway into the new Chatham with improved links into Chatham centre.

.

.

The proposed new bus facilities include a bus interchange at Chatham railway station with an additional high tech bus station on Sir John Hawkins Way which includes the Sir John Hawkins car park.

.

The long term plans for regeneration of Chatham will mean a bigger and busier Chatham.

.

.

posted by matt bright.

Useful Phone Numbers for Medway Council

Here is a list of useful phone numbers designated for certain departments within Medway Council for residents of Princes Park.

Education - 01634 306000
School Admissions - 01634 331110
Adult and Community Learning - 01634 338400
Children's Information Learning - 01634 335566
Council Tax - 01634 332222
Housing Issues - 01634 333500
Housing Benefit - 01634 333752
Leisure Customer Services - 01634 332320
Social Services - 01634 334466

Also;

Main Switchboard - 01634 306000
Customer Services - 01634 333333

posted by matt bright.

This Weeks New Planning Application

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

There is only the one this week.

.

.

Wittersham Close

.

.

posted by matt bright.

New Planning Applications

These are the most recent planning applications being considered within the Princes Park Ward.

Scotby Avenue

Hampshire Close

Resolution Close

These applications have been taken off of the Medway Council website.

posted by matt bright.

Medway Re-Generation

Pat and I attended a re-generation seminar last night which concluded in a tour of the key sites within Medway.
There are many re-developments within Medway at present, some more known then others, but the vision of the Council and the key designers/developers in the various projects holds a very exciting future for the Medway Towns.
The River Medway is key in a lot of the developments which include Rochester, Strood, and the Temple waterfronts. There are also plans for Strood Town Centre, Gillingham and of course the big challenge (and Medway Councils biggest project) Chatham Town Centre incorporating the river front.
Residents will have their chance to have a future say in how they think Chatham should look and operate.
Why not pay them a visit, staffed sessions at the Pentagon Shopping Centre are to be held every Wednesday (12 noon to 6pm) and every Saturday (10am to 4pm) between 23 May and 30 June.
Click on this link to see how Chatham is to be re-developed and what proposals there are to date.

posted by matt bright.

Conservative Majority

Conservatives; 33 seats

Labour; 13 seats

Liberal Democrats; 8 seats

Independent; 1 seat

The Conservatives increased their seats from 31 to 33 from the last local elections (2003) while Labour lost some of their seats including one in River Ward (Chatham Fly-over is in this ward)!! This, amongst a very dirty and negative campaign held by the opposition parties based on lies, tactical voting in certain wards (Princes Park included) and the so-called non-political group C.R.A.G. based in Chatham.I'm glad to see the residents of Medway see beyond all their negativity and voted for a party who only think about positive issues and are striving to make Medway a more prosperous place to live.

posted by matt bright.

Your Local Conservative Team

Here is a picture of your local Conservative Team who represent Princes Park, Lordswood and Walderslade.

Left to right; David Wildey (Lordswood), Alan Jarrett (Lordswood), Pat, Myself and David Brake (Walderslade).

Unfortunately one person was missing from the photo (Kath Doody) who only just missed out after working extremely hard and nearly making it a double win in Walderslade.

All three wards have been working closely for nearly two years and the team work has paid off. It helps to work as a small team due to all three wards inter-linking with each other, some local problems often cover more then just Princes Park and merge into other wards.

We will all continually work close together to help improve the local area as a whole.

This picture was taken about 2-30am on election night after the results were announced. We were all looking a little weary after completing nearly 21 hours of solid work on election day.

But, it was all worth it in the end!

posted by matt bright.

Medway Police

Pat and I were at a Councillors seminar last night where we met Chief Inspector Peter Wedlake of Medway Police station.

We discussed the anti-social behaviour in Princes Park involving mini-motorbikes into great detail.

Peter told us of his plans in the next couple of weeks (obviously I cannot disclose them) about what measures were to be taken.

I was also told of a Community Police Officer and a Special Constable who's main focus is on Princes Park and hopefully we will be meeting them in due course.

Details of our meeting will follow.

posted by matt bright.

The Winning Margins!

It has now been a week since the elections and I thought it was about time I posted the final results from election day.

The results were as follows;

1) Matt Bright 1068 elected

2) Pat Gulvin 1029 elected

3) Stuart Bourne (Labour) 975

4) Joy Wharton (Labour) 832

5) Mike Russell (English Democrats) 252

6) Philip Monday (Medway Independents) 176

7) Jay Lee (BNP) 153

8) Graeme Pike (Medway Independents) 144

You can view all the other results and the majorities from the Medway Council website by clicking here.

Thank you to everyone who voted Conservative, we overcame a lot of negative politics from the opposition parties including the organisation C.R.A.G. based in Chatham telling people (on large banners) not to vote Conservative.

We will begin to work on improving the Princes Park area immediately and look forward to the next 4 years.

This blogsite will stay updated regularly and we will post anything that is relevant to Princes Park.

Me and Pat would like to thank everyone who helped us on the day with delivering, telling, knocking on doors and back at the committee room. It was a very professional (and successful) day and we are very grateful.

Also, a very special thanks to our campaign manager Andrew.

posted by matt bright.

Conservatives win in Princes Park

We would like to give a big thank you to all our supporters in Princes Park. With your help we have increased the conservative majority, and sent a clear message to the Blair-Brown Labour Government that the people are not happy with their performance.

Our aim for the next four years is to serve the residents of Princes Park to the best of our abilities, regardless of whether you as individuals voted for us or not.

We want to hear all your views and opinions, so we can make the best decisions for the future, both in Princes Park and the wider Medway Towns area. So please feel free to post feedback on the blog or e-mail Matt or me at home.

Posted by Pat

Princes Park Local Elections - Thursday 3rd May

Tomorrow you will have the opportunity to decide who will run Medway Council and who will represent you in Princes Park for the next 4 years.

There is a clear choice:

A Conservative Council delivering quality services and the lowest council tax in Kent, pledging to keep Grammar Schools, introducing half price bus fares to children, maintaining the 'above the National average' on recycling, committed to re-generating Chatham town and leading the campaign to 'Save Capstone Valley'.

or

A return to the bad old days of a Labour/Lib Dem/Independent Coalition with higher local taxes, inefficient services and internal squabbling.

Since 2003 Conservative Medway has striven to improve services whilst maintaining the lowest possible taxes. Our achievements have been recognised by the Independent Government Inspectors who have awarded Medway a three-star rating (from a maximum of four) for service, efficiency and value for money.

We have also fulfilled our election promise to keep your council tax as low as possible. Medway residents now pay £150 less council tax than the average in Kent.

This progress will be threatened if we lose control of the Council tomorrow by losing Princes Park.

Control of Medway Council is on a knife-edge. All it will take is for a handful of traditional Conservative supporters to stay at home, or vote for one of the minority parties, and Labour will gain control of Princes Park via the back door and maybe gain control of the Council. Princes Park was won 4 years ago by only a handful of votes so every vote IS VITAL.

Don't forget, in Princes Park you will be electing 2 councillors and therefore you have TWO VOTES. Please use both of your votes to support your local Conservative team.

Remember, please vote;

2 BRIGHT Matt X

3 GULVIN Pat X

PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE CONSERVATIVE TWICE

posted by matt bright.

Weekly Rubbish Collections to Remain

Whilst out delivering our 'in touch' newsletters today in Princes Park I come across some Labour leaflets circulating throughout the area.

It was explaining that the Conservatives in Medway were planning fortnightly rubbish collections.

This I can happily say is a complete lie!

There are no plans to change the weekly rubbish collections in Medway and it is a shame that the Labour Party are resulting to distributing leaflets around Princes Park based totally on lies and deceptions.

Click here for the Medway Councils website on rubbish collections.

Hopefully residents in Princes Park will see through this poor attempt by Labour to attract more votes.

posted by matt bright.

Ministers Threatens Medway with Even more Development

The Labour Government has issued a veiled financial threat to your Council and other Councils in the South East.

If Medway does not build the huge number of houses that Tony Blair wants, people may have funds for their services cut as money is awarded to Councils that 'toe the line' and build more houses.
Labour Minister, Ruth Kelly, made this announcement recently. However, Ms Kelly certainly has double standards - as she led the campaign in both 2000 and 2004 against the building of houses like these on a unused factory site in her own Constituency!
Councillor Rodney Chambers, the leader of Medway Council, said: "This is a very worrying situation. The fact that the Labour Government wants 40,000 houses a year to be built in the region is bad enough - but to threaten us with even more houses is sheer madness."
He added, "Conservative-led Medway Council is determined to promote the use of unused 'brownfield' sites, to meet its already agreed homes target for the next 20 years. Anymore than this is totally unacceptable!"

This story comes from the Spring issue of the Conservative Medway Mail that is circulated throughout the homes of Medway.
I posted this story because it falls in directly with the Capstone Valley Campaign.

posted by matt bright.

Conservatives Pledge to Keep Grammar Schools in Medway

The Conservative-run Medway Council have vowed to keep Grammar Schools in Medway and will continue to give them their full support.

Despite opposition from Labour and Lib Dem Councillors who have a record of speaking out against the system, Grammar Schools will be staying due to them being held in high regard by pupils, parents and Conservative Councillors alike.

posted by matt bright.

Totally Agree

In response to the previous story written by Pat about rubbish collections.

I have also experienced that same question concerning 2 weekly collections whilst canvassing. I will also fight against any proposal to introduce 'every other' week collections, this for me would be a step backwards and a serious wrong move.
Other Councils around the country have introduced this proposal and it has seriously backfired making the residents very angry.

Me and Pat will fight to keep weekly rubbish collections.

posted by matt bright.

AN EVENING WITH THE LONDON SINFONIA


I know I have mentioned the London Sinfonia before, but I am not apologising for that. We went to see them at the Central Theatre on Sunday and it was a wonderful performance. There was also a good crowd. These included a group of school children that were really enthusiastic. During the performances you could have heard a pin drop but at the end the children plus the rest of us showed our appreciation. We were lucky to hear the world premiere of Tansy Davies work ‘kingpin’. This was specially commissioned for Medway.
After the performance four members of the orchestra gave us a little encore in the Jazz Cellar. It was a light-hearted way of finishing the evening, and was a pleasure to talk to them. What was nice; quite a few of their fellow musicians came down to support them and join in the fun. I look forward to their next visit to Chatham.

One date for your diary is Sunday 10June 2007. We have Julian Lloyd Webber coming down to Chatham. He also plans a post-concert encore in the bar.
Hope I see some of you there.

posted by Pat

REFUSE COLLECTIONS

While I have been out canvassing a few people have asked about the idea of fortnightly refuse collections. I know it does worry people that this could be introduced. It is one thing I personally would fight 'tooth and nail'. My daughter lives in Gosport where they have been doing this for a while now. It does not work. People have trouble with maggots and vile smells. So those who have their own transport take their rubbish down to the tips. Some people just fly tip. So in the end the argument that it is environmentally better and more recycling would be done just does not hold water.

posted by Pat

A Walk in the Sunshine

I hope everyone has been enjoying this lovely weather. As I saw in one of the local papers, who needs to go to the Med just come to sunny Medway. It has certainly made canvassing much nicer. It has been really nice meeting people in the area even those of different political persuasion. I must admit that the people on the doorstep seem to be a lot politer than some of the opposition councillors.

I went to the full council on Thursday. It was a bit of an eye opener. I can remember going to a quite a few years ago, the debates were very heated but everyone ended up in the bar together as friends. In the council chamber on Thursday I heard what to my mind was quite childish behaviour by some of the opposition councillors. If it was not for our Lady Mayor who kept everything under control with a brilliant sense of humour I am sure the meeting would have ended in chaos. Angela (our Mayor) is going to be sadly missed by all when she retires. She will not be standing in the May elections. What really upset me was one councillor was very insulting about the Mayors Chaplin. Even if you hold no religious belief there is such a thing as common courtesy as a guest. Maybe I am just getting too sensitive in my old age, but I don’t think so.

Now back to canvassing. Last week I was lucky to be out with Tracey Crouch. She really has been a joy to work with, even if we don’t support the same football team. I think all those who spoke to her on the doorstep realise what a really genuine young lady she is. I for one am looking forward to a general election and hopefully we can return her as our M.P. This week the canvassing has either been on my own or with my husband Adrian, Many of the older residents will remember him as the councillor with Angela for the old Walderslade Ward. He has been enjoying himself catching up with some people he has not seen for a while. (Who said that men couldn't talk)? Matt has also been canvassing on his own. I think, well really I know he has found the same as me that everyone is very supportive. We have had a lot of feedback on the Capstone Valley petition.
If you want to know more about that please read Matts piece. Or you can always email or ring myself or Matt. We do return peoples emails and calls.

posted by pat.

Planning Applications for Princes Park

This is a new part of the blogsite that will be updated regularly.

These applications have been posted on the Medway Council Website and are within the Princes Park ward.

They include;

Setford Road

Highgrove Road

posted by matt bright.

Mobile Library in Princes Park

I was driving along Princes Avenue last week and noticed the mobile library parked up in Dove Close next to the church.

So I thought I would look up on the Medway Council website to see how often the service comes to Princes Park.

The service is on a 2 week rota and visits Princes Park 'every other' Thursday stopping at Dove Close then continuing to Scotby Avenue.

Click here for the times and days.

posted by matt bright.

Capstone Valley Petitions

After several weeks of collecting signatures for the 'Save Capstone Valley' campaign myself and Pat handed over some of the many many signatures from Princes Park to the Mayor of Medway Angela Prodger.

Their signatures join the many thousand that have been received on the doorstep throughout Medway. This also runs parallel with the online petition set up 2 weeks ago by the Medway Conservatives.

Me and Pat would like to thank a handful of residents that have contacted us requesting their own petition form for their family, friends and neighbours to sign. It has been truly remarkable at the high level of response we have received.

During the full Council meeting last night, Rodney Chambers (leader of the Medway Conservatives) stated that the local Conservative Party would fight 'tooth and nail' to save Capstone Valley.

One set of proposals have already been rejected so if we remain strong there is no reason why we cannot win again. Including the victory over the proposed Cliffe Airport your local Conservatives have a good record in winning battles.

Remember to vote Conservatives on May 3rd, it is a marginal ward so EVERY VOTE COUNTS!

posted by matt bright.

Issues That Will Be Tackled in Princes Park

After nearly 5 months of phone canvassing, door canvassing and the returned surveys that where completed a couple of months ago certain issues were repeatedly raised.

The issues will be on our (Matt Bright and Pat Gulvin) list of things that need to be raised and tackled.

The main issues concerning Princes Park include;

1) Litter

We know there is a problem with litter in Princes Park. I have spoke at length with several residents about this issue and me and Pat are dedicated to try and end this litter problem.

One step in the right direction would be to place litter bins at all the bus stops, because that seems to be where most of the problems occur.

Contact could be made with the local shops which includes the main supermarket in becoming a partner against the litter fight, most of the litter does come from them shops!

Regarding fly-tipping on Heron Way, residents could get involved by contacting the council on 01634 336699 or Kent Crime Stoppers on 0800 555111 if they see any activity.

2) Mini Motorbikes

There seems to be an issue with these noisy motorbikes whizzing up and down Heron Way and Kingfisher Drive. Many residents who have commented know the culprits and I'm sure that me and Pat with help from the local Community Police could seriously tackle this noisy nuisance.

3) Alleyways

From the phone canvassing and the returned surveys some residents mentioned busy alleyways that are used by mothers and children to being overgrown and strewn with rubbish.

If elected, we have promised to contact the residents who raised the issue and try and get the pathways clear and litter free.

4) Pot Holes

There are a collection of certain roads that need attention. Re-surfacing is already being carried out and we will try and keep the roads in a good satisfactory condition.

5) Capstone Valley

This is a real major issue to Princes Park. Capstone is merely a 'stones throw' from certain parts of Princes Park and if built upon would SERIOUSLY affect the lives of residents locally.

Not only would you lose a great piece of natural green belt, the local schools, medical services would be under massive strain. There is also the issue of the water shortage during the warm months. Imagine another 8,000 houses sharing the water locally, meaning hosepipe bans for longer!

Only your local Conservatives are fighting against this house build, click this link to sign our online petition.

Other parties seem to be more concerned with issues outside Princes Park (your Conservative Council are re-opening the fly-over in 4 weeks) and issues outside Princes Park are important BUT me and Pat are putting Princes Park first.

posted by matt bright.

Conservative MP joins the Capstone Campaign

Last week East Surrey MP Peter Ainsworth (right) visited Chatham and was greeted by the Lordswood and Capstone Councillor Alan Jarrett (centre) to add his support to the 'Save Capstone Valley' Campaign.

Peter, who is the Conservative Environment Secretary has been arguing in Westminster against housing developments on greenfield sites like Capstone to ensure that these areas are protected.
It is only the Conservative Party that are fighting the Medway Magna building project in Capstone and a vote for the Conservatives in Princes Park in the local elections is the only sure way we can carry on the fight on your behalf.
It is encouraging to see that MP's from Westminster are taking local issues close to Princes Park seriously and are fighting on our behalf.

posted by matt bright.

New Online Petition - Save Capstone Valley

There is a new online petition to 'Save Capstone Valley. This is a follow up to the Princes Park online petition. It was thought that a Medway Conservative petition would have a greater impact receiving a vast more amount of online signatures.

Click this link to sign.

Although Capstone Valley is on the doorstep of Princes Park it will also directly affect wards in Gillingham and beyond hence it becoming a Medway wide petition.

Remember, only your local Conservatives are fighting this proposal.

It is very important we have enough voices in the Council chamber to fight this on your behalf.

Thursday May 3rd 2007 - Vote Conservative

posted by matt bright

Fly-Over To Re-Open

The fly-over in Chatham's new two way system is going to re-open to traffic. The time frame for the new road lay out is set to take place in approximately 4 weeks.
The Council did originally give the 'closed fly-over' scheme a 6 month trial period with a review to be taken after the time had elapsed.
After reviewing the situation and listening to local residents the Council have acted.
This is a positive move, it will hopefully make the traffic move more freely and it has demonstrated that the Council do listen to local residents views and concerns.

posted by matt bright.

Childrens Playground and Ball Park

After speaking with several residents within Princes Park it seems people think the new children's playground on Princes Avenue (next to Downlands Walk) is a private playground.
It isn't.
The facilities are open to all young residents within Princes Park, hopefully diverting them from playing ball games on street corners and annoying the neighbours.

posted by matt bright

Local Election Results 2003

I was looking through the Medway Council archives and came across the 2003 election results for Medway which included Princes Park.
As you can see from the link, the voting results were quite tight.
But remember, only your Conservative Councillors can and will fight to stop the proposals to build on Capstone Valley.
We have won once before and we can win again.

SAVE CAPSTONE VALLEY

Also, as explained in an earlier story Medway Labour Councillors voted against to introduce half price bus fares to school children!!
Where's their logic in that vote?
There is always a lower turn out in local elections, but local issues matter more to local people.
On May 3rd, don't take it for granted that someone else will vote and everything will be ok. Every vote counts.
Vote Conservative on May 3rd to let your local Conservatives continue the fight to keep Capstone Valley.
Only the Conservatives are against the destruction of Capstone Valley for another mass house build.

posted by matt bright.

Medway Council Conservative Group

Here is a website that may interest residents of Princes Park. It is based on Medway Conservative Councillors raising local issues within Medway and the positive work that has been carried out.

posted by matt bright.

Half Price Bus Fares

I recently wrote a story on half price bus fares that are being introduced to Medway soon.

Here is the story from the Medway Council Conservative Group website.

It states on the website;

'Unbelievably the Labour Councillors in Medway VOTED AGAINST this policy!

This just proves that the Labour Councillors in Medway seem to be losing the plot on very important and key decisions.

posted by matt bright.

Oh Dear !!

I am currently a very depressed football fan. I have kept my football passions away from this blogsite but after yesterdays 5-0 demolition I feel I have to make some comments.

We are not good travellers this season, we struggled in East London, so Cumbria was always going to be a serious challenge!

The last few seasons, no matter what division we are in we always seem to languish between 15th and 20th.

Just hovering above relegation can make for an exciting end of season, but I would rather just be hovering just outside the play-offs.

We have 2 important weeks coming up, at home to Brentford (23rd in the league), then away to Rotherham (bottom of the league), if we get 4 points from these 2 games then we should be ok.

Hopefully we will avoid 'the drop' this season and look to re-build for next season, but something tells me unless we get the new stadium in place in the near future we will just be hovering around in the lower leagues again for a while.

posted by matt bright

Hilly Start

When Tracey and her friend offered to help deliver leaflets, they didn't realise the extent of the hills and steps in Princes Park.
They had over 650 leaflets presented to them, and a map with several highlighted roads in which had to be completed.
They started at Devon Close, working their way round Heron Way to finally finish up 3 hours later at Freshwater Road.
So if you received an 'In Touch' newsletter on or between them roads you have Tracey and her friend to thank.

posted by matt bright.

Deadline Day

The deadline day to register for a postal vote is 18th April 2007.

If you would like an application form please contact the Conservative Campaign HQ on 01634 853322.

posted by matt bright

Capstone Valley Campaign

Myself (Matt Bright) and Pat have often been asked how much of Capstone Valley will be swallowed up by 9,250 additional houses.

After speaking with Council colleagues, we have been informed that all of it will be gone.

The estate (if built) would be as big as Princes Park, Walderslade and Lordswood combined!

You can only imagine the impact that would have on local life in the surrounding wards if these proposals became reality.

Only your local Conservatives are fighting this on your behalf, and we can only continue to fight this proposal if successful at the local elections on Thursday May 3rd.

posted by matt bright.

More Energy Tips

It appears saving energy is one the top topics to be discussed these days.

Whilst scanning through the Medway Council website I found a page containing the top 10.

Click here to see the full list.

Some of the items on the list are a good idea, some just being common sense.

posted by matt bright.

Clean Kent Campaign

It appears that not only Princes Park suffers from a litter problem, as suggested by some parties.

A website has been created for Kent to tackle the county wide problem.

Clean Kent Campaign has created partners with all the Kent councils, Highways Agency, Environmental Agency and others in order to tackle this problem.

Medway Council, being one of the partners have dedicated phone lines in trying to beat fly-tipping, abandoned cars etc.

On the campaign website, there is a nomination page you can contact if there is an area of Kent that has suffered from rubbish recently.

Hopefully with all the partners, we can try and clean up Princes Park and Kent in general.

posted by matt bright.

More Pictures from the Litter Pick Day

Here are a few more snaps of myself (Matt Bright) and Pat with some of our Conservative colleagues last week at our litter pick in Princes Park.
We managed to fill 12 'black sacks' to the rim, which were later disposed of via the tip.
Us volunteers and the council can only clean and clear so much litter.
It is everyones responsibility locally and beyond to tackle litter. Some people need to be re-educated in how to dispose and recycle rubbish. All the litter we picked up has been thrown there by someone, unfortunately trying to change peoples habits is a lot harder then organising a group of volunteers to clean the hedgerows.

posted by matt bright

Half Price Bus Fares for School Children

Your Conservative Run Council have introduced half price bus fares for the residents of Princes Park.

As well as the popular yellow bus scheme that has already been introduced your Conservative run council will be investing heavily in extending school transport.

This is a ground breaking scheme, being the first of its kind in the whole of Kent. Hopefully if fully utilised by the parents it could help in reducing the traffic in and around Princes Park.

The scheme will be introduced from September.

posted by matt bright.

March 13th 2007 - Medway Council Cabinet Decisions

Here are the latest decisions taken by the Council Cabinet at the meeting held on the 13th March 2007.

There are some interesting points ranging from half price bus fare for children travelling to and from school to a proposed football academy in Beechings Cross playing fields, Gillingham.

Click on this link for the whole report from the Medway Council website.

posted by matt bright.

Litter Clear up in Princes Park !!

A Few Action Shots from the Day

Myself (Matt Bright) and Pat Gulvin were joined today by fellow local Conservatives in helping to clear litter in a small part of Princes Park.

We have listened to local residents about the litter problems, so we decided to do something constructive about the issue.

We were joined by another 6 volunteers who are local Conservative

Councillors and candidates to help clear the rubbish.

We managed to clear a piece of waste land on Swallow Rise between

the bus stop and Maundene school. The rubbish had gathered there

for a while, but now it looks like a piece of natural shrubland again.

The local Conservative Councillors are also looking to place a litter

bin at the bus stop to hopefully try and resolve the problem in that area.
We only managed to clear a small piece of land from rubbish compared to the total size of the Princes Park ward, but we did it voluntary and it took a couple of hours. We have certainly improved that part of the ward, lets hope it stays litter free.

Me and Pat are determined to try and help the ward in anyway we can and are totally commited to the residents of Princes Park.

posted by matt bright.

Community TV Screen heading to Princes Park

Medway Council have announced that Princes Park will be benefitting from a new scheme that supplies public information via a 42" plasma screen.
The screen will be situtated in or around Morrisons.
As well as providing public information the screens can broadcast different information relevant to Princes Park. It can also be used to convey important information in the event of an emergency or provide details about a missing person, for example.
There will be another 11 similar screens located in and around Medway.
Click on this link for the full story.

posted by matt bright.

Water Shortage

I had a interesting email from a local resident concerned about the proposed building venture on Capstone Valley.

The point raised to me was the water shortage we all suffered during last summer and autumn.

If another 9,000 house were built, this would add to the water shortage already here in Princes Park during the warmer months.

The only way we can prevent this mass house build on your doorstep is to vote Conservative.

Your Conservative Councillors are fighting this proposal, we have already won before and there is no reason why we couldn't win again.

But, we can only prevent this if we keep Labour out (who want the house building to go ahead) and to not let the smallar parties reduce the Conservative vote.

Your local Conservatives are also looking to create an online petition, details to follow.

We will fight this on your behalf !

Remember, May 3rd

Vote Conservative!

posted by matt bright

Calling All Weight Watchers

I am not really coming up with a new diet. What I am going to say is, if any of you would like to get fitter, come and join us with our leafleting. Going up and down the steep hills in Princes Park is much better than an hour in an expensive gym.

Now, on a more serious note. If you have ever thought you would like to influence politicians, or have an idea on how to improve the area you live in, you can. People who influence politics are like you or your neighbour. They are not some elite band! Just by getting involved with your local party you can have your say. If enough people put a point of view forward they really do have to listen. So come on forward and become one of those who can make a difference to this country of ours.

posted by Pat

Save Capstone Valley

Saving Captone Valley will help preserve the lifestyle for residents of Princes Park !

If the houses are built it will directly affect residents locally, leading to increased traffic, noise and pollution in and around Princes Park. You will also lose a fantastic piece of greenbelt land right on your doorstep. Just imagine 9,000 more houses adding pressure onto your local schools and local services.

Myself (Matt Bright) and Pat Gulvin are helping to lead the fight to save Capstone Valley along with Lordswood and Walderslade Councillors and candidates against the Medway Magna proposals to build over 9,000 houses in the area.

Some of the land in the valley is owned by Medway Council, and the Conservative Group on Medway Council are pledged not to sell any council land in the valley for housing.

But, we can only continue this fight on your behalf if we are elected in the local elections on May 3rd.

The Labour Government are trying to steam roll through their house building project in the South East, but surely it would be more appropriate to build on brown field sites or regenerate in areas that desperately need it.

If you would like to assist by raising a petition against this proposal then kindly ring either Alan Jarrett on 01634 684640 or David Wildey on 01634 863416 and ask for a petition form. They are both Conservative Councillors for Lordswood and Capstone.

Alternatively, you could write to Chatham & Aylesford Conservatives, 200 Canterbury Street, Gillingham, Kent ME7 5XG.

posted by matt bright.

It is an Offence to Fly Tip !!

There appears to be a problem with Fly Tipping and Litter in general in and around Princes Park.

Medway Council can and will clean up the mess as best as they can but it seems to be a never ending battle against the fools who appear not to care about their local environment.

Some people need to be educated in how to dispose of rubbish!

If you see someone dropping vast amounts of litter or are fly tipping in and around Princes Park (especially Heron Way) then you can report them in confidence to Medway Council.

To report environmental crime call; 01634 336699 or

Kent Crime Stoppers; 0800 555111

Click on this link for full details from the Medway Council website.

Remember- This is a crime and if people are caught they will be prosecuted!

posted by matt bright.

Fantastic Response to Residents Survey in Princes Park !!

We would like to thank the thousands of people who completed the Chatham & Aylesford Residents Survey.

During January we distributed our questionnaire to 12,000 households of which just over 2,700 where delivered in Princes Park. We are delighted at the response rate which has reached 20% in some wards – a very high rate for a postal survey of this nature.

Included in the findings:

*The Health Service, Crime and Immigration are the top issues causing concern for local voters

*Only 37% of respondents support the introduction of ID Cards

*77% of respondents believe Inheritance Tax should either be significantly reformed or abolished completely.

*78% believe a future Conservative Government should continue to oppose the Euro Currency.

*92% of respondents did not believe that local A&E services were adequately funded by the Labour government.

Hundreds of local issues were also brought to our attention with graffiti, vandalism, fly tipping and litter at the top of the lists in Princes Park. Wherever specific problems have been reported we have done our best to get these dealt with.

Myself (Matt Bright) and Pat Gulvin have been busy phoning or visiting the many respondents who asked to speak to a local Conservative councillor or candidate. Many of these issues are personal or confidential so we cannot report them here – but everyone that has asked for a visit will be contacted as soon as possible.

We would also like to thank the dozens of people who have offered to help us by delivering leaflets or joining the Conservative Party.

posted by matt bright.

Conservative Parliamentary Spokesman for Chatham & Aylesford

Your Conservative Parliamentary Spokesman for Chatham & Aylesford is Tracey Crouch.
Tracey has recently created her own blogsite regarding her own election campaign hopefully into Parliament.
Feel free to ask Tracy any questions you have regarding Parliament issues.

posted by matt bright

20th February 2007 - Council Cabinet Decisions

Here is the link for the latest Medway Council Cabinet meeting that happened on the 20/02/2007.

On the agenda to be discussed was proposals for a controlled parking zone in Chatham. Also the 2007/08 budget proposals.

It is myself and Pats intention on this blogsite to try and inform the residents of Princes Park exactly what is happening within the ward and beyond that will affect local residents.

posted by matt bright.

Keep Warm While Saving Energy and Money

The Kent Energy Centre has been working with your Conservative Run Medway Council to make your home cheaper to run while becoming more energy efficient.

Prices have been discounted and include installation.

1) Loft Insulation from £199

2) Cavity Wall Insulation for terraced or semi-detached properties from £149

3) Cavity Wall Insulation for detached properties from £175

4) 100% grants for central heating, cavity wall and loft insulation for people on certain benefits

5) Advice given and discounts on solar panels

6) Free and independent advice for all residents on energy saving in the home

The scheme is open to all residents who rent from a private landlord or own their own home. Advice is available for all other residents on saving money, energy and keeping warm.

For further information;

Call Kent Energy Centre 0800 358 6669

Email enquires@kentenergycentre.org.uk

Lets do our bit in Princes Park to save money and energy!

posted by matt bright.

Litter-Litter-Litter


While I have been talking to people all over Princes Park the same topic has been raised,
‘LITTER’

I have spent many hours trying to work out a solution. Really it is nearly impossible because it means re-educating a number of people of all ages. The council cannot feasible spend all their time just cleaning the paths and highways. So there has got to be another way.

On Monday I when I came home from work, I picked up my ‘blue box’ from the road side. Some one had put a coke bottle in it. My first thought was how dare they. Then I thought again. It is better they did that than throw it into the gutter. So I took it back to the house and added it to the bottles I have to recycle.

This started me thinking. (Dangerous occupation). When I was young all households kept the path and the road outside their house tidy. Of course some still do. But it is no longer the normal thing we all do. So I think that could be a starting point. If we all just picked the litter up outside our own house it would be a start. We can all say ‘but my neighbours don’t’. Well let them, after a while it could catch on! There is nothing like keeping up with the Jones' to change peoples attitude. Neighbours could start talking to each other and working out where other areas could be cleaned up. I know this sounds very simplistic but have to start somewhere. Things cannot stay as they are or we will end living in a rat infested ghetto.
Posted by Pat

3 Stars Awarded to Medway Council

The stars are awarded for services and value for money.

This is the fourth year in a row that 3 stars have been awarded to the Conservative run Medway Council !

The 3 stars were awarded by the Audit Commission in its Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA).

Read the comments given by the Leader of the Council, Conservative Cllr Rodney Chambers who has warmly welcomed the decision.

I'm sure this is a positive sign for residents of Princes Park to know their Council Tax money is being spent and used wisely by the Conservative run council.

posted by matt bright.

Postal Votes

If you will be away on May 3rd, not to worry!
You can apply for a postal vote.
Alternatively, if you are unable to get to the polling station due to age or ill health, or you know someone in Princes Park that cannot then please pass on this info.
To apply for a postal vote you can either;

E-mail
electoralservices@medway.gov.uk

Phone
01634 332030

Fax
01634 332416 or 01634 332247

Write (the good old fashioned way).
Electoral Services
Medway Council,
Civic Centre,
Strood,
Rochester,
Kent.
ME2 4AU

Click on this Medway Council page for further info.

Don't lose your right to vote, apply for a postal vote today.

posted by matt bright.

Keeping Princes Park Green, Clean and Safe

After scanning through the Medway Council website I found an interesting page that would provide essential information for the residents of Princes Park.

If you need to report graffitti, abandoned cars or fly tipping etc.

Recycling and general rubbish issues.

Traffic and travel in the local area.

Details about local wardens to help tackle anti social behaviour.

Click on this link for the full details.

posted by matt bright.

New Childrens Centre in Princes Park!

The new childrens centre will be based in Kingfisher Primary School in Princes Park.

The councils cabinet agreed the new childrens centre with another 9 across Medway already adding to the existing 4.

The "Sure Start" centres will provide health care, advice and support to families with babies and young children.

Each centre will provide services to around 800 children under five years of age, and their families, and will be established by spring next year.

Check out this link for the full story.

posted by matt bright

It's Official - Medway Council is Giving Good Value for Money

Conservative Run Medway Council have been judged as giving good value for money by independent auditors.
The Audit Commission assess councils across the country on how well they are managing resources every year.
Check out the link for the official comments on the Medway Council website.
This is another example on how the Conservative Run Medway Council are wisely spending your council tax money.
posted by matt bright

A Good Debate

I had a really nice reply to my comments on subsidizing theatre tickets. Anonymous did not agree with me at all. That is what I like a lively but friendly disagreement. It what makes things happen.

Mind you 'anon' I think you may have scored an own goal. The tax paying public may not directly subsidies your football ticket, but they do indirectly. I don't think there is a club in England that could survive on their ticket sales. Which means they are subsidized by sponsors. This means that good old Joe Public will one way or another pick up the bill. Of course some of it will come from your TV licence.

By the way 'anon' I love sport and the more money put that way the happier I would be. But that is another issue and I don't think you would want me to get on my soap box just yet.
posted by Pat

A Walk on the Wild Side?

After donning our Artic gear we braved the weather and went for a walk along the river Medway. We drove to the Riverside Country Park, another outstanding leisure facility run by the council. It was wonderful to see the car park was almost full; obviously we are not the only mad people living in the Medway towns. It was also nice to see not only dog owners out, but families enjoying the fresh air. This certainly is a well used area which is bristling with wild life.

We braved the cold for a couple of hours and were rewarded with the sighting of not one but two rainbows. But other than the sighting of rainbows and literally thousands of birds, the highlight was a lovely cup of tea back at the Riverside Country Park. It is nice to know their proper cafe will open again shortly.

posted by Pat

World Class Music in Medway

Went to the Central Theatre last night. The City of London Sinfonia had braved the snow and ice to come to Chatham. They gave a stunning performance of three Haydn symphonies, and a Mozart concerto for flute & harp. The soloists, Karen Jones and Rachel Masters are both professors at the Royal College of Music. A very talented line-up indeed!

We are very fortunate to have an enlightened Conservative council in Medway that is putting us on the cultural map. Unfortunately the message that first class live entertainment is available in Medway is not getting through to many of its citizens; the theatre was only about 20% full.

The thought occurred to me, that with all those university students we now have in the towns, the council should provide them with cheap tickets, say a pound or two, and develop a new audience for the future.

What are your thoughts on this? Or do you take the contrary view that spending on the arts is a waste of money?

The Sinfonia is next visiting us on the 22nd of April. One of the works is a new composition specially commissioned for Medway. It would be nice to have a full house for such a special event.

posted by Pat

General Statistics About Medway!!

Here is a few stats about Medway with some brief history about the council.

Authority Type

The unitary council was established in 1998 following the merger of Gillingham and Rochester Upon Medway Councils.

These two councils formed a 'Unitary Council' which also took on powers from Kent County Council creating this one large combined local authority which is now known as Medway Council.

Population

There are currently 251,000 people living in Medway.

This figure is due to rise to 300,000 people by the year 2030!

Budget

Medway Council operates as a business which has an annual budget of £518 million (over half a billion) for the year 2006/07.

Breakdown

This money is divided between services such as;

schools, roads, libraries, leisure centres, social services (for the elderly and young), waste disposal, recycling, community safety (to some extent).

It is also used for development and tourism.

Breakdown of Funding

Fees, charges and grants = 43%

Government Schools grant = 29%

Business rates = 11%

Central Government grant = 2%

Council Tax = 15%

Fact 1

Council taxes in Conservative Run Medway are the cheapest in Kent!

They are more then £100 cheaper than either Maidstone or Tonbridge and Malling!

Fact 2

The Labour government have been giving higher grants to councils in the north at the expense of councils in the south like MEDWAY COUNCIL.

One Million Pounds of Government grants have been withdrawn this year from Medway Council.

Remember!

Vote Conservative in the local elections on May 3rd to keep your council tax low.

posted by Matt Bright.

A Winters Tale

I was lucky enough not to be working today, so I did not have to brave Princes Ave in the snow storm this morning. I hope the rest of you managed okay.
I did however take a walk around to see how people were coping.( Walderslade looks lovely under a blanket of snow). It seems most of you managed to get out and brave the elements. One thing I did notice were the handrails on steeper parts of the paths; these I found really helpful. Anyone who knows me will tell you I can manage to fall over even without the added problem of snow and ice.
Can you let me know if there are any areas that could do with these handrails. I do not know how much influence I may have but I do know a few people I can nag.
posted by Pat

Tracey Crouch

Tracey Crouch has been chosen as the Conservative Candidate for Chatham and Aylesford Constitiency.

At a packed meeting of members supporters and the public, Tracey Crouch was chosen as the new Parliamentary Candidate for the Conservatives. She, beat off 26 other hopefuls to win the nomination.

Tracey, who works in the insurance industry, is a qualified football coach and a member of Kent Cricket Club. She is the lead manager in an independent charity which aims to reduce crime and build safer communities through various projects and activities. She also works with the Citizenship Foundation, an education based charity which runs the National Youth Parliament Competition is schools.

Tracey has extensive experience in campaigning in Local, General and European Elections and is delighted to have the opportunity to fight the next election for the Conservatives in Chatham and Aylesford.