May/June 2014


Serving local people, businesses & events in Addington, Birling, East Malling, Kings Hill, Larkfield, Leybourne, Mereworth, Offham, Ryarsh, Trottiscliffe, West Malling


Clare Lake plans forge ahead


CLEARING weed and algae growth and growing bankside wildflower meadows are part of ambitious plans agreed this month to restore Clare Lake in East Malling.


Lakeside reed beds and the removal of some non-native trees will also improve the health of the lake and attract new species of fish, water voles and birds. Lakeside log benches and new fireproof litter bins will help improve the attractiveness for local people. Plans were also made to raise the £30,000 needed to remove many tons of silt from the lake bed to improve water flow.


Last year, KCC Councillor Trudy Dean pulled together funding to pay for a study of the lake by the Medway Valley Countryside Partnership. This resulted in a four year plan of action needed to improve the water quality and wildlife habitats. The plan was agreed this month at the first meeting of the newly formed Clare Lake Steering Group.


The lake lies off Clare Lane, within the grounds and under the ownership of The Malling School.


Principal Carl Roberts welcomed representatives of local councils together with resident volunteers and members of East Malling Conservation Group to the


first meeting. He said: "The governors of the school are very supportive of this scheme to restore the lake, which we know is very special to local people. We plan to involve pupils in the important survey work to track improving water quality and plant life."


East Malling traffic-calming scheme


TWO years of work by county, borough and parish councillors working with representatives of East Malling Conservation Group have produced designs for a 20mph speed limit in East Malling.


It will cover High Street, Chapel Street and parts of Wateringbury Road, Rocks Road and Rocks Close. The scheme went out for consultation at the beginning of May.


The plans have been designed by KCC following original proposals from a group of local councillors and volunteers from East


The scheme will cost just under £30,000 and will be paid for from the annual councillor’s highway funds of local KCC councillor Trudy Dean.


Malling Conservation Group. Features include narrowing Wateringbury Road to single lane traffic near Huntleys Cottage, a table ramp south of Manningham House at the start of the 20mph limit and giving priority to Mill


Street-High Street traffic at the King and Queen junction.


New signs at the London Road, New Road junction will highlight the HGV width and height limits in Mill Street and High Street.


She said: "Local volunteers have worked hard on these plans, including surveying traffic numbers in the early hours of cold winter mornings. It's great to see their two years of work supported by both the police and KCC Highways. The traffic- calming scheme should make the roads within it quieter and safer for pedestrians and drivers."


A Malling Action Partnership publication


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