Council Talk

First I would like to apologise to the residents of Orchard Heights for the disgusting sight of overflowing dog waste from a bin in Lodge Wood Road, as shown in last week’s edition of this newspaper.

I had cause to be in Orchard Heights before last week’s paper came out and witnessed the overflowing bin and instructed that this be dealt with immediately. I asked for a report from our officers, who were also concerned to learn of this and discussed the matter with the contractors responsible. I am informed that they should be emptied when they are only about two thirds full, thus avoiding this unhygienic situation arising.

A new regime for the disposal of this type of waste has been introduced and we have a programme to replace these bins with larger ones and I have asked if that can be accelerated.

As you may know dogs now have to be microchipped and Cabinet received a report on this matter last week. In approving the report a further recommendation was added indicating that the council would also scan any dead cats that are found, to see if they have a microchip so that owners can be advised.

Members also received a report reviewing the first year of our involvement in the government’s Syrian vulnerable person resettlement programme. Ashford as a borough has come together to welcome, resettle and help integrate some of the most vulnerable refugee families with young children from the camps around the Syrian border.

The council is not housing the refugee families in our stock, so there is no impact on our social housing or those on its waiting list. The properties that have been offered have either come from charitable organisations or private landlords.

Ashford Borough Council has extended its close working relationship with the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, who have over 1,200 members. This close association strengthens and supports businesses in the borough, which is vital to maintaining Ashford’s position as the number one location for business in Kent.

In October we will be taking over most of Ashford’s ground maintenance carried out by others. Our new in-house service will take a few months to get fully up and running, but we should see significant improvement early in the New Year. This is a further part of our desire to improve the appearance of our borough.

In this context enforcement began last week to address litter dropping with on the spot fines being issued.

It has been good to note, that the weather this summer has been so kind to us all, so I hope we can all enjoy our wonderful borough in the sunshine.