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.

.

posted by matt bright.

This Weeks Planning Application

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

.

Brenzett Close

.

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.

.

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.

.

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.

.

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.

.

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

.

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?

.

posted by Pat

A Walk Around Princes Park




This morning I had a stroll around Princes Park to see if I could see any major problems. I spotted a few, the usual graffiti and litter. I hope to get out the next few days to tackle some of the graffiti. The really big areas will have to be done with the graffiti busting team, which of course will take time as they have a very long list already.

The one thing I did notice was some of the lovely views we have. I remember seeing a blog of a councillor in Scotland and he had some lovely photos of his area. It made me think we could do the same. So I have started and here are the first few. Every time I do a stroll I will try and remember to take the camera and will publish them so we can all appreciate the nice place we live.

p.s. If you know of any problem areas please get in contact with either Matt or myself. Don't forget the surgery on Saturday at the The Church of Christ the King from 10:00 to 11:00.

posted by Pat

Saturday Surgery

This months surgery will be held this Saturday (4/08/2007) in the Christ the King Church in Dove Close.
I will be hosting the surgery and I will be available between 10am to 11am.
Please feel free to pop in if you have any issues you think the Council may be able to deal with.
.
posted by matt bright.

New Planning Applications

Here is this weeks latest planning application in Princes Park.

There is only the one locally, while last week there were none.

It has been very quiet regarding planning applications within Princes Park in recent weeks.

.

Fisher Road

.

posted by matt bright.

Princes Avenue Petition

During last Thursdays Full Council meeting (26/07/2007) Cllr Pat Gulvin handed in a petition regarding an introduction of a crossing on Princes Avenue.

.

The petition was signed by 94 local residents of Princes Park asking for a crossing across Princes Avenue next to the play park.

This would make it safer for mothers and children from the Romney Road area to have access to the facilities.

It would also slow down the traffic on that certain stretch of road.

We will keep you updated on any future developments.

.

posted by matt bright.

Walking Bus

Walking Bus


I have just returned from a trial of the walking bus at Maudene School. It was a great success. An astounding 273 children took part. We now have to get it running everyday. But of course this will take time and volunteers. Today we had loads of parents walking with us but we know this is not possible everyday. But the Walking Bus Group will be organising a meeting at the school. If you are like me, with children all grown up you can still be involved. I think the good old active retired would be brilliant at this. They need one adult for every six children, so you see a lot of help will be needed. It would be helpful if it were only one day a week. It could be possible with enough helpers to run walking busses not just from Morrisons car park but also down Highgrove and Herons Way.

So if you are interested either contact me or one of the walking bus group.

E-mail the Kent and Medway Walking Bus Group on
dee@kentwalkingbus.org
puala@walkingbus.org
emily@walingbus.org
Linda@kentwalkingbus@org


I will put on the blog when the meeting is.

Posted by Pat

Speed Cameras

I received a document today regarding safety cameras and the impact they have on road safety.

I'm not the biggest fan of safety cameras (formally speed cameras) as a driver, I felt I was spending too much time looking at my 'speedo' and not concentrating on the road. I wasn't convinced if they were there to prevent speeding motorists or were just a revenue earner for the authorities.

But.........looking at the latest set of statistics in connection with the cameras, my views have been slightly altered!

The Kent and Medway Safety Camera Partnership announced casualties have been reduced in Kent and Medway since July 2002.

In their report they claim;

.

1) Safety cameras are only situated where a number of people have been killed or seriously injured in a speed related crash.

2) Since July 2002, there have been 58.3% fewer deaths and serious injuries at camera sites in Kent and Medway.

3) The cost to the community of the total casualty savings amounts to more than £20 million each year. This cost includes the savings for the emergency services and medical care.

4) They claim - We don't want your money, we want you to slow down.

.

For more details log onto there website.

.

I'm glad to say there are no speed cameras within Princes Park which means there have been no serious incidents involving deaths recently.

However, there is a speeding problem along Princes Avenue between Princes Charles Avenue and the Morrisons roundabout, making it hard for residents to cross the road, especially for the children's play park (demonstrated in a previous story on this blog). Myself and Pat are aware of this problem and will be contacting relevant officers in due course to see what options are available to us.

.

posted by matt bright.

Out On Patrol

Out On Patrol


Last Friday Matt and I had a very new experience for us. We went out on patrol with the Medway Safety Team. I do not think many people know about them. They are a small group of dedicated Medway Council employees who follow up any worries residences have in the area. So when you mention unsociable behaviour to a councillor or direct to the council it is looked into. What they do is patrol problem areas and reassures residences. They also work with the police and other services.

The two we travelled with, Brian and Emma, who look after Princes Park, Luton. Wayfield,Walderslade and Weedswood. So you can see the area they cover each night is quite extensive.

We first went round Princes Park to a few areas that had trouble with youngsters, but I am glad that it was all quiet. That’s how we want Princes Park to remain. While we looking round the village Emma had a phone call from a family that have had some problems with a group of children. They found it reassuring that they could get hold of Brian and Emma so quickly. When we arrived near to the residences house we had a call from them. They had managed to talk to the parents of one of the youngsters and they were very helpful and the problem was defused. That was great as this shows that dialogue, with out losing your temper can quite often be the best policy.

Later we took a stroll down an alleyway where there have been problems before. We were having a nice stroll, them Matt pushed me out of the way quick as some idiot was riding his motorbike straight at us. I could not believe my eyes Emma and Brian just stood in front of him to make him stop. He did slow down and then swerved round us and sped of down the road. Silly boy, he has probably gone from a telling off to big trouble!

As we patrolled one area Brian and Emma spotted some youngsters on a shop roof. I did not even see them. But next thing I know we are parked up and running down the road. Okay we did not catch them. But they either stopped a crime or prevented stupid youngster getting themselves hurt. That is what the Safety Team is there for. The most upsetting thing I saw was some youngster taking drugs. Oh why, oh why do they ruin their lives like that? Some end up in prison not because of taking the drugs, but because of the crimes they commit to fund their habit.

I could write a thousand word essay about the rest of the evening. But I think you can see what a great job they do. Our unsung, nightly, heroes. We also met up with the police on patrol. Our own local PC Dave Saunders with a couple of new community police officers. One a lovely girl by the name of Jessica. I will find out more about her and let you know, as she will be working in Princes Park. So you see we are the lucky ones
As I am sure she will be well liked by everyone.

posted by Pat

Rochester Farmers Market

Rochester Farmers Market

Sunday we took a trip down to the farmers market in Rochester. As normal there was a lovely array of local produce. From fresh meat, vegetables, and even some lovely bottles of English wine. It was nice just strolling around in the sunshine (yes it had stopped raining). The church bells were ringing in the distance and it just made you feel good. We bumped into a few people we knew which is always pleasant .My husband went straight to the stall that sells cooked sausages in a bun. As he says its his Sunday morning breakfast. It is even better in the winter as he has it then with a cup of hot-spiced apple juice.

The market is held the third Sunday of the month and is well worth a visit.

posted by Pat

This Weeks Planning Applications

Here are this weeks planning applications within the Princes Park ward.

.

Romney Road

.

Hopewell Drive

.

.

posted by matt bright.

Junk Mail

We received this article from our colleagues in Aylesford and thought you would like to see it.


Junk mail and uninvited telemarketing calls (usually received as you are about to sit down for dinner) are an increasingly unwelcome intrusion into our daily lives.

Many residents we have spoken to are not aware they can "opt out" of receiving junk mail and sales orientated phone calls by registering with the Mail Preference Service (MPS) or the Telephone Preference Service (TPS). There is even a Fax Preference Service (FPS) if you suffer from Junk Fax transmissions.

The "opt out" lists are maintained centrally under licence from Ofcom (The Office of Communications) who will fine or even prosecute companies who continually fail to respect the wishes of those who have chosen to register.

Registration on any of the lists is free of charge and can be done simply over the internet.

For further information (or to register) please click on the following links:

Telephone Preference Service (TPS): click HERE
Mail Preference Service (MPS): click HERE
Fax Preference Services (FPS): click HERE

The Greencross Code

Your local councillor and your Conservative Parliamentary candidate, Tracey Crouch, took their lives into their hands on Saturday. During the election it was mentioned that it was difficult to get across Princes Ave, to go to the play park. So Tracey and I thought we would have a go. So if you were driving down Princes Ave and saw these two women trying to cross the road they were doing it in the name of research.

The conclusion of our exercise was that we do need to do something and I will discuss it with the officers in the council and see what ideas we can come up with.

posted by Pat

Democracy Working



Yesterday evening I had a Children’s Services Committee meeting. The pre group meeting started at 6 o’clock. Then we went into the main meeting at 7 o’clock. We finished after 11 o’clock. So you see we do, do some work? But seriously though it is a very important that we do take our time discussing items where children and young people are involved. They are our future and they should be given the best of starts to help them become valued members of the community.

One of the items discussed involved facilities for teenagers. The police constable from the area came and pleaded their case. Another constable and an inspector joined him. So the young people, whom think the police just there to torment them, should think again. This young constable felt very passionately about looking after the youth on his patch. I hope that he does end up with some of his wishes. The trouble is everything costs money.

We also discussed the future of Connections. The youth support agency. This is going to Cabinet so all I can say is watch this space and we will see what the verdict is.
posted by Pat

Graffiti

Graffiti


Saturday afternoon I was out graffiti busting again. The surgery at the end of Swallow Rise on the junction with Princes Ave. has been a target for a long time. As it is on private property we were unable to clean it last time we went out. This last week I have asked the surgeries permission to clean it. I am happy to say they gave it. I hope you noticed the improvement.

posted by Pat

Saturday Surgery

Surgery


Surgery was held on Saturday at 10am to 11am.
Only two people came. So that either means that we have few problems or that the news has not circulated yet. It is probable the later. The next surgery will be on the 4th August 2007. This will again be from 10am to 11am.

We will be in Room 1
The Church of Christ the King
Dove Close
(Next to Morrisons)

If you cannot make the surgery and you need to get in touch with us.
Pat can be contacted on 670853, or at pat.Gulvin@medway.gov.uk
Matt can be contacted on 351403 or at matt.bright@medway.gov.uk
posted by Pat

Anti Bullying

ANTI BULLYING CONFERENCE



I was very fortunate to be given the opportunity to go to an anti bullying conference yesterday. I know we will never eradicate the problem but with conferences like this, plus the dedicated people I met we may be able to ease some of the long-term ill affects this has on young people.

We had a talk from John Khan, who works in East Sussex, as a consultant on bullying. He explained how they handle the problem there. The main issue that came over then and later in the day from other speakers was that the problem could be solved if children would just tell someone. I know it sounds simple but as we all know victims are always scared to talk about it. They do not always know whom they can trust. Also what came over from the talks we had with professionals and children alike is they do not always want the bullies punished. They just want to be left alone.
One teacher who gave us some incidences of bullying in her school said that one girl said she just wanted the bully to talk to her civilly.
I know I have simplified things here but the main thing to know is we do have teachers and other professionals who work with are young people who are totally dedicated. They went back to their place of work with many ideas to pass on to their colleagues.
posted by pat

Tour de France Park and Ride

There will be 5 free park and ride services available within Medway on Sunday for the Tour de France.

There will be absolutely no on-street parking from Saturday midnight through to the race anywhere along the route.

I have posted a copy of the route in an earlier story on this blogsite.

Medway Council is encouraging everyone to leave their cars at home and use one of the 5 free bus services that will shuttle spectators to the best 3 viewpoints on the route.

The park and ride venues are;

1) Great Lines, Gillingham to the sprint section in Gillingham

2) Beechings Cross, Gillingham to the spring section in Gillingham

3) Riverside Country Park, Gillingham to the sprint section in Gillingham

4) Mid-Kent College Horsted campus, Chatham to City Way, Rochester

5) Chapter School, Strood to Angel Corner, Strood

Buses will be running from 8am to 4pm, every 15 minutes. The last bus back to the 5 park and rides will leave at 3-45pm.

Obviously there will be delays within Medway on race day but Medway Council aim to open up the roads on the route after the race as soon as possible subject to them to being cleaned.

For more in depth information please click on the Medway Council website here.

.

posted by matt bright.

Surgery this Saturday

Don't forget, this Saturday a surgery is coming to Princes Park. Councillor Pat Gulvin will be your host and will be available between 10-11am.
The address of the venue is;
The Church of Christ the King
Dove Close,
Princes Park
ME5 7PX
There will be plenty of posters advertising the surgery within the venue.
.
posted by matt bright

Top Award for Customer First

The 'Customer First' department has won top honours by winning a national excellence award.

It handles residents information, problems and concerns for Medway Council as well as other local authorities.
.
The Customer First department can be contacted by dialling 333333 (advertised to the right of this blogsite) and should always be your first point of contact if you have a problem or a concern.
.
Here are a few statistics about the call centre;
.
73% customer satisfaction
over 80% of resident contacts dealt with on a 'one and done' basis
over 2,500 emails received every month
65,000 calls received each and every month
.
According to the statistics, this means approximately 47,450 people are happy with the telephone service, with 52,000 people having their issue resolved by dealing with just one person.
Remember, this is all within a month!!
.
I have dealt with the Customer First team on several occasions and have had nothing but excellent service from them.
.
Please click on this link for the full story from the Medway Council website.
.
posted by matt bright.

Cabinet Decisions

Medway Council's Cabinet met on 26th June 2007, here is a list of issues that were discussed;

.

1) Statement of Accounts 2006/07

2) Medway Park Development

3) Soccer Academy – Strood Leisure Centre

4) Treasury Management Out-turn Annual Report

5) Irrecoverable Debt

6) School Transport and Public Passenger Service Framework

.

Click on this link for the full details.

.

posted by matt bright.

New Planning Application

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

Highgrove Road

.

posted by matt bright.

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.

.

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.

.

There is only the one application this week.

.

Woodchurch close

.

posted by matt bright.

Princes Park Surgery

There is a new surgery coming to Princes Park starting with a 6 month trial.
.
The first surgery date will be on Saturday 7th July 2007 between 10am - 11am.
.
The following dates for the surgery will be on the first Saturday of every month.
.
The address for the surgeries will be;
.
Room 1
The Church of Christ the King
Dove Close,
Princes Park
ME5 7PX
.
Its easy to find, the Church is situated next to Morrisons.
.
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.
.
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.

.

They include;

.

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.

.

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.

.

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.

.

Highgrove Road

.

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.

.

posted by matt bright.

Safer Kent Awards 2007

Celebrating Outstanding Community Work

.

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

.

You can nominate people such as;

.

Police Community Support Officers

Special Constables

KCC Community Wardens

Medway Council Wardens

Wardens of Heritage and environmental organisations

Neighbourhood Watch volunteers

.

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

.

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

.

Email; kpaenquiries@kent.pnn.police.uk

.

Phone; 01622 677055

.

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.
.
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.
.
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).
.
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.
.
If you have any comments about this proposal then you can write a letter to;
.
Early Years and Childcare (Kingfisher)
Medway Council,
FREEPOST SEA13667,
Rochester,
Kent.
ME2 4BR
.
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.
.
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.

Tour de France is Coming to Medway

The Tour de France is coming to Medway in July, so I thought I would post a map of the route that is going to be taken.

The purple on the map is the route that the riders will be taking.

.

The event takes place on Sunday 8th July 2007 starting in London, travelling down through the Medway Towns and finishing the stage in Canterbury.

While travelling through Medway the race will pass through Rochester, Chatham, Strood and Gillingham.

.

Obviously there will be disruption with several roads being closed during the race so Medway Council have dedicated several pages on their website about parking etc.

.

Click on this site for details.

.

posted by matt bright.

Surgery Coming to Princes Park

For the last couple of weeks Pat and I have been working on introducing a surgery to the residents of Princes Park.
The venue is yet to be confirmed but the surgery will be held on the 1st Saturday of every month between 10-11am, the 1st surgery being 7th July.
The details of the venue will be posted shortly.
.
posted by matt bright.

Our Committees within the Council

Now the dust has settled after the election we have now been placed into our committees within the Council.

.

I am a member of;

.

Regeneration and Development Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Development Control Committee

.

.

Pat is a member of;

.

Children's Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Bus Fares for school children task group

Member of Community Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee

.

posted by matt bright

To All Sport Fans

I spotted this article on the Council web and I was sure there would be someone in Princes Park who could benefit.

Sports cash available for your school or club
What could you do with up to £650? More importantly, what could your school or sportsclub do with that money?
Sport Medway 2006 is Medway Council’s sports development grant scheme open to all schools and voluntary sports clubs. Grants of up to £650 to run a sporting opportunity that encourages participation and healthy living are up for grabs.
Successful bids should promote school and club links and encourage young people’s continued participation in sport and healthy lifestyles.
Examples include taster sessions, coaching sessions, fun days and coach/volunteer education courses. Projects must show partnership working between schools and local clubs. The grant can pay for equipment, medals, kit, facility or coach fees. You can now apply for cash for the second round of Sport Medway 2006 taking place between 21 October and 5 November.
Sport Medway 2005 saw Medway Council distribute nearly £14,000 between Medway’s sports clubs and schools. To find out more phone 338766 or email sarah.risby@medway.gov.uk
posted by Pat

Meeting With Debbie

I was very lucky on Tuesday to meet a young lady, Debbie Rumble, who is a youth development worker. I met up with her at the SureStart centre in Magpie Hall Road. I hate to admit it but I did not know that this centre was there. It is a really attractive building with a café that is really inviting. It has an open and sunny appearance. All the food is home made. If you like what you have eaten you can get a recipe to try it at home. It seems the perfect drop in for parents and their young children. But I was there to meet up with Debbie so was very good and just had a cup of tea.

Debbie explained to me some of the work she does with the youth in the area. One of the areas she works is Princes Park, so some of our young people will already know of her. She spends some of her time in the evenings just walking around the area talking to the young people she sees. It is to get a dialogue going and to find out what they are interested in and what they would like to do. This rather simplifies her work but I think anyone who works with the young will know one of the hardest things to do is to gain their confidence and get them to talk. Growing up is never easy and youngsters will not always open up to their parents, therefore this is where people like Debbie can help. Sometimes it is so much easier to talk to a stranger.

I am really looking forward to learning more about her work in the coming months.

.

posted by Pat

Pledge to Grammar Headteachers from Conservative Councillors

I was reading the Conservative Councillors Website and was encouraged to see this posted story in favour of keeping our Grammar Schools. I am personally pleased to see the schools being backed by the council.

.

Here is the full story below from the blogsite;

.

.

Conservative Councillors in Medway have pledged their support for Grammar Schools, following a successful meeting with the Headteachers of the main Grammar Schools of Medway.
.

The meeting took place on Monday the 21st of May at 4pm at the Library of Rochester Math School. Math School Headmaster Keith Joseph hosted the meeting which was attended by Conservative Council Leader Rodney Chambers, Council Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services Cllr Les Wicks, and Medway Cabinet Member and Adviser to the Chairman of the Conservative Party, Cllr Rehman Chishti.
.

The pledge of support comes as a result of the successful re-election of the Conservatives as the administration of Medway Council - increasing their majority from five to eleven. One of the main election pledges of the Conservatives in Medway was to support the popular local Grammar Schools. The Conservatives are the only serious party in Medway to openly do so.
.

Council Leader Cllr Rodney Chambers commented,
.

“I think that it was a very productive meeting for all. We have made it very clear that Medway Council will always back Grammar Schools so long as it is run by Conservative Councillors. As Conservative Councillors, we stood at the last election upon our record as an honest and hardworking council that will deliver upon our promises. At this recent election we promised to keep the grammar schools in Medway - and this is exactly what we shall do whilst we are in office for the next four years.”
.

Cllr Les Wicks, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services commented,
“Medway’s Grammar Schools provide an excellent education for our children and thoroughly deserve our support. I am very pleased that we held this meeting as it reassured all parties present that Grammar Schools are here to stay. Whilst continuing our support for Grammar Schools, we are determined that standards and offer of specialist education is improved in all of our schools. We look forward to working with parents, pupils, teachers, and governors to achieve this.”

.

.

posted by matt bright.