Correspondent’s Picture
pulsory purchase order cannot be used to solve a problem that does not exist, the inference being ‘no CPO until any large-scale housing developments are built’. So they are making a statement that there are insufficient problems with the traffic at present. MBC is scheduled to make its decision at a meeting on Thursday, October 27, and the question was asked “What has happened to the six-week consultation period?” Even those residents living close to the lights have received no details of the latest scheme, unless a mention on MBC’s website has become the accepted level of ‘consultation’. The new scheme includes the installation of railings immediately behind the kerbstones, which pushes the walkway back, taking up some of the grassed area between the A229 and Chestnut Avenue. The MBC representatives (it was reported) were surprised to learn that this area of land (which is owned by the parish) is protected by covenants against such diminution. They were also surprised by the number of services which run under the walkway, making it difficult to design the bases necessary for the railings. Meanwhile, the photographs (apparently taken at night while the A229 was relatively clear) raised doubts as to the scheme’s integrity. One was intended to illustrate how a van could sail through but, from the direction in which the van was pointing it was clear that the van had just avoided a second vehicle which was just out of shot. What MBC apparently fails to understand is just how much this crossing is used by pedestrians, commuters walking to the station, mothers with buggies heading for the schools and wheelchair users from the residential homes nearby. These are all local people going about their daily lives. The point was made that the traffic along the A229 is almost entirely drivers from outside the village, so it is a case for making the pedestrians the top priority, and the truck and car drivers second – and the point was made that we would be better off with no change at all. Given the fiasco that they have caused already with the pelican crossing in the Marden Road, which nobody wants, MBC must stop wasting our money on schemes which are not fit for purpose. Neighbourhood Plan ‘referendum’: The need for residents to support our Neighbourhood Plan was evident in the traffic-light debate, in which the preservation of our rural (or non-urban) ambiance is a top priority, and our leafy stretch of the A229 past the village centre to the crossroads is a highlight. Given the architecturally-depressing de- velopments which have destroyed Maidstone’s centre and riverside, can we rely on judgement of MBC’s planning officers we all pay for, to protect our environment? Over recent weeks, our parish councillors have spoken to many residents only to find that very few have any idea what the referendum on November 3 is about – one thought it was something to do with Brexit! Now while most of us would have produced a plan which differs in some ways from the one the consultation has delivered, it will provide defence against the randomly placed, get-as-many-inas you-can type of developments we’ve suffered at the hands of the developers, with never a thought about the amenities needed by residents. Most residents understand that before long, hundreds more houses will be built here; but at least our Neighbourhood Plan will determine where those houses will be built. Without the plan, not only will many more houses be built, but also they will be built in the open spaces we enjoy today. Already the Plan, because it is so close to becoming legally-binding in the ‘planning’ sense, MBC recently rejected an application for a large development to the north of village in George Street. So make sure you vote ‘Yes’ for the Neighbourhood Plan on Thursday November 3. Patients participation: The annual meeting of the health centre’s Patient Participation Group (PPG) will be held at the centre on Wednesday October 26 at 7.15pm. All patients registered at the health centre are welcome to attend. The role of the PPG is to provide a means of communication between patients and the management of the surgery, and to inform patients of any changes which take place. If you feel that the service our health centre provides should be improved in any way, don’t just moan to your neighbours, go along and tell the management (and the rest of us) what you think. Disability club’s 40th: The Weald Club for Disabled People (WCDP) celebrated its first 40 years with a splendid lunch for about 40 people at the McCabe Centre last Friday, to which many ‘retired’ volunteers and drivers were invited, along with special guests such as Cllr Tom Burnham, who (as the parish’s vice-chairman) was standing in for chairman Rory Silkin. The WCDP is based at the McCabe Centre and meets most Fridays throughout the year from 10am2pm. It helps people to get out of their homes and meet others, and it organises trips during the year to the coast, Christmas shopping trips, and a Christmas lunch. While thanking all volunteers for their efforts past and present, chairman Ken Collins singled out Maggie Weller who has been taking the club’s calls for 33 years, by presenting her with a gift. Cllr Joan Buller, who knows the club well through her involvement through the Chat Club, thanked the club on behalf of the guests, making the point that ‘we might not be Kent’s prettiest village, but surrounded by such wonderful people, it is a beautiful place to live’. 2017 village calendar: Local artist Ken Collins’ calender offers us a Stroll Through Time in aid of Leonard Cheshire Disability and the Weald Club for the Disabled. This is available at the usual price of £4, at the post office, Martin McColl, Helen’s Coffee House, the Station Newsagents, Ward & Partners, Radfords Estate Agents, Henhurst Farm Shop, and Coachmans Cottage Studios. It will be available at the carnival and fete committee’s French Market on Sunday, November 26 in the village centre, and at All Saint’s Church Shepherd’s Market on Saturday, December 3. Saturday surgeries: October 22 will be parish chairman Rory Silkin, who will be available in the library from 10-11am to answer your questions. In particular, if you need any information in order to make up your mind regarding the referendum for our Neighbourhood Plan, this will be your best opportunity to find out all about it. Correspondent: Claire Adams, Woodmancote, Rumstead Lane, Stockbury, ME9 7QL Tel: 01795 841140 foxgloveadams@ aol.com Fun quiz: A fun quiz in aid of the church will take place on Saturday, November 19 at 7.30pm in the village hall. The cost is £5.50 per person and this includes nibbles (take your own drinks). Teams of six to eight per table. To book phone Brenda Mace on 01622 884746. Halloween and fireworks party: On Saturday, October 29 in The Orchard. Admission is £4 with online voucher or £5 on the night includes hog roast (available from 5.30pm until all gone). Children under 12 years free entry. Gates open 5pm, bonfire lit 6pm, fireworks 7pm. Correspondent: Eileen Riden Tel: 01622 844953 riden887@ btinternet.com Local plan: Cllr Riden spoke on behalf of Sutton Valence at the government inspector’s inquiry at the town hall,. The parish council strongly objected to MBC designating the parish as a “Larger Village” with the resulting speculative plan-