Malling.org.uk


TREE CLEARANCE AIMS TO STEM THE STENCH


SOME trees are to be felled and others cut back atWest Malling's Manor Park.


It is hoped that removing timber from around the lake in the next couple of months will also help to clear the air.


Local councillor Trudy Dean said: "The Environment Agency has suggested this treatment to put an end to the horrible scum and stench we always experience during summer months."


Head ranger Tim Bell explained: "The trees between the surfaced path and the pond edge on the south bank will be cut to allow light into the lake.


"It will also encourage the growth of reeds, marginal plants and grasses and herbs on the immediate bank edge.


"This is important as the lake is not in good condition, a combination of a build- up of leaf litter and large quantities of bread being thrown in to feed the ducks. This has caused a build-up of silt, and the heavy shade of the trees prevents any spread of plants in the pond.


"The plants and reeds are crucial to oxygenate the water. In order to break up the silt, light needs to get to the pond so cutting the trees on the bank edge will create the right conditions for both of these things to happen," added Mr Bell.


The mature willows that lean heavily over the pond will be pollarded so they do not collapse into the water. The lower branches of other willow, ash and red horse chestnut trees may be pruned. On the northern bank (roadside edge) the fallen branches that have not had birds nesting on them, will also be removed.


The work has been agreed with the borough's tree officer and the Environment Agency and is part of a five-year management plan for the park, which includes biological surveys.


The Manor Park Liaison Group will discuss the scheme on Thursday, January 27, at 3pm at the Church Centre.


Kings Hill Pre-School Pamper Evening


Kings Hill Pre-School is holding a Pamper Evening on Friday, February 11, from 8 - 11pm at The Spitfire pub, Kings Hill.


Tickets cost £3.50 and treatments on offer include mini manicures, mini pedicures, reflexology, Indian head massage etc. There will also be various stallholders selling lovely jewellery and make-up etc.


Treatments can be pre-booked one week before the event via a sign-up sheet outside the school or people can simply come along and see what they fancy on the night. The ticket price will be going to school funds.


Snow notes


It was obvious in the weeks of snow that some roads and paths which should have been cleared were not, and that there is a need for more salt bins.


County Councillor Trudy Dean writes: " I have asked the county council to review its list of roads which are salted and cleared, and sites for salt bins, in the light of problems experienced before Christmas.


“Please let me know of any sites where clearance work or a new salt bin is needed, so that these can be assessed ready for the next lot of white stuff.


“Two salt bins at Masefield Road and Brooklands Road, Larkfield, have exceeded the number of points for KCC approval, and will be paid for as part of the top 60 to be funded county-wide by KCC.


“Fielding Drive, Upper Mill , Gilletts Lane and Stickens Lane and Larkfield Road (by the banks) will be paid for from my member’s highways fund at a cost of £600 each.


“I have asked KCC to assess Lavenders Road Bridge,West Malling, for a new salt bin and anti crash measures after multiple accidents over Christmas.".


Ring 01732 843119 or e-mail trudy.dean@kent.gov.uk


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40