Parish facing bill for ‘poll’
Business centre ‘community hub’ Continued from page one
again in front of the general pub- lic – before deciding whether to co-opt them. “Yet with the power of social
media these days and there being such low turnouts for parish elections, a campaign could easily be organised to elect someone who is not the best candidate.” Leybourne
Parish Council has an annual precept
of
£125,000. Cllr Ulph, pictured, stressed that the £7,000 spent on elections could have gone towards setting up a youth club, which is an aspira- tion of the council. “If someone dies or retires,
this group might call an election again, so we have had to set aside £10,000 of our precept to- wards elections – previously it was £500.” The council is seeking legal advice on whether it can publish the identities of those who call for elections. Currently their names and addresses can only be accessed in person at borough council offices in Kings Hill. “If they want to put the com- munity through this expense they should be accountable to the public,” Cllr Ulph added.
BARHAMCourt Business Centre in Teston is under newmanagement, has a newlook–and a newphilos- ophy. The Grade II listed building,
which dates back to the 12th cen- tury, hasbeenabusinesscentre for many years but was in danger of being closed or sold off to develop- ers when the previous operator, Berkeley Business Centres, went into administration last year. However, thanks tooneof theex-
isting tenants the impressive Eliz- abethan manor house has been given a £300,000 facelift. The former board room has been replaced by an informal coffee bar and lounge,while the double stair- casehas been givenacoat of paint
to reflect the centre’s newimage. Crystal chandeliers have been
importedfrom Italyandareception area has been created in the en- trance hall. Sonia Vasan, director of Hever Business Management, which bought Barham Court, is hoping thehouse willbecomeafocal point for the community. Sheplanstohostaseriesof
open days for locals to have a look around and has already taken
bookings for several weddings in the ground floor rooms and or- angerie. Sonia said she hoped that the centre’s lawn would host village fetes and garden parties. Oneof thebanquetingroomshas
been booked for a Teston resi- dent’s 80th birthday and another for a ruby wedding party. Sonia said: “Although it isabusiness cen- tre by day, the house is a beautiful facility for all kinds of uses in the evenings and atweekends.” New cloakroom and bathroom facilities have been installed and Sonia said: “Hopefully we have turned rather out-datedandshabby offices into a place where people are proud towork.”
Village pioneers ‘time bank’
VILLAGERS at East Peckham could be swapping their skills and experience in a pioneering schemewhere people trade their time. If the project wins the support
of residents, it is likely to be the first of its kind in Kent. Parish clerk Karen Bell ex- plained that for every hour a member shares, they get an hour’s credit in return which can be “spent” however they choose. A variety of skills can be on offer, such as pet care, house-sit-
ting, photo restoration, aro- matherapy, massage, cookery, smartphone advice, help with form-filling, lifts to the shops, children’s parties, gardening and CV help. The scheme is very flexible
with members getting involved as and when they can. The parish council could also
host regular social activities such as a film club, coffee morn- ings and possibly a community garden. Businesses and village groups could also be involved,
but it is important that the com- munity leads the time bank. After hearing about the scheme, suggested by parish Cllr Holly Carey, the council agreed to publish details in the parish newsletter. Mrs Bell said: “We are excited
about it and hope it will take off in the village. The Kent Associa- tion of Local Councils told us that it was the first in Kent they had heard of. If we get it up and running, the idea could be taken up in other areas.”
“Experience the perfect venue”
Barham Court sits amongst 5 acres of glorious parkland overlooking the Medway Valley and offers the following facilities
• Standard and executive office suites • Full reception service • Full conferencing and training facilities • Ample free parking • 24 Hour access
• High speed internet and wi-fi • Printing and Postal service • Coffee area • Wedding and Private Function venue
Please contact us for more information
01622 618600
www.barhamcourt.co.uk •
info@barhamcourt.co.uk
12 Malling Have you got news for us? Phone our News Desk on 01622 734735
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