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Councillors pledge to keep precept the same
Dog mess left
in hedges PLASTIC bags filled with dog waste have been thrown into bushes and trees after the borough council removed “poo bins”. Pet owners must now use “co- mingled” bins with other rubbish in an effort to save money. But parish councillor Helena Goodwin said that some bins are overflowing and bags are “being slung” into the hedgerows while Cllr Geoff Bennett said dog owners should take their mess home. Cllr Richard Ash said that the people he sees with animals are carrying their pets’waste home. Chairman Fiona Redman said
she would write to borough coun- cillor Val Springett about the situa- tion. Cllr Springett is raising the issue with MBC at every opportu- nity. Bearsted Parish Council funds six dog bins in the area.
New PCSO
BEARSTED’S new PCSO is Matthew Allington. The parish council suggested he
would be brought up to date with local issues by community warden Sally Williams. Cllr Paul Young volunteered to assist Matthew as he settles in.
Bank closure
THE closure of the NatWest Bank in Ashford Road, Bearsted, is likely to happen, despite efforts to reverse the decision. The parish council heard from
the bank, confirming that the branch will close later this year. The council has started an online petition against the closure.
Staff vacancies
BEARSTED Parish Council is seek- ing two members of staff. A clerk is needed to replace Michelle Rumble, who has moved out of the area, as is an administra- tive assistant. Both roles are part- time.
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Bearsted Parish Council
www.bearstedparishcouncil.gov.uk
28 Maidstone East February 2017
BEARSTEDParish Council has agreed not to increase the annual precept, so residents will not face a rise in the parish part of their council tax in 2017/18. Despite having earmarked some
The parish council is expecting
major projects for completion within its boundaries, the author- ity’s members felt it was unfair to expect parishioners to shoulder the burden of an- other hike. The council
Cllr Paul Young
will dip into re- serves to make up any shortfall without cutting the services peo- ple expect. As a result of cuts in financial
support from the borough council, the anticipated revenue for next year is now £20,000 short of its pro- jected expenditure. The parish council financial year runs from April to March each year.
the borough council to drastically reduce all forms of funding as it seeks to make serious savings in the face of slashed funding from central government. Cllr Paul Young said: “We recog-
nise that “traditional” parish coun- cil funding will continue to decline, so we have to find alternative sources of income as well as being smart with the budget aswe realise we are using taxpayers’ money. “We continue to work towards bringing greater efficiency to all areas of the council, such as a new procurement policy to ensure value for money. Council chairman Fiona Redman added: “We will continue to en- courage more rigorous processes within the council, developing
three- to five-year plans for projects to ensure best use of funds.” The parish expects to receive less funding from Kent County Council and will have to factor this in. Members may
Cllr Fiona Redman
also consider de- veloping charg- ing structures for commercial en- terprises or in- creasing income from events. Last year’s
£20,000 increase in its precept “sig- nified a commitment to key envi- ronmental projects” such as the Church Landway project under- taken in the 2015-16 budget year”, said Geoff Bennett, chair Environ- ment committee
Songbird Katie to sing at castle
BEARSTED soprano Katie Bird will be singing to her home crowd at this year’s signature summer con- cert at Leeds Castle. The British soloist brings a fresh
flavour to the classical event after being chosen to form the line-up on July 8 with tenor Anthony Flaum, who returns to the castle for his third year. Artistic director John Rigby is de-
lighted to welcome them, adding: “Both soloists bring freshness and energy to the programme which, combined with their remarkable voices, provides the perfect combi- nation for the evening that the au- dience of the Leeds Castle Classical Concert has come to expect.” Growing up with the castle on
her doorstep, Katie says she is look- ing forward to returning to the area and performing to a home crowd. She graduated from the presti-
gious National Opera Studio in Lon- don, and spent time at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the Royal Academy ofMusic. Last year she made her debut for English National Opera, singing Masha and Chloe in David Alden’s new production of The Queen of Spades.
Council Office: Madginford Hall, Bearsted Telephone: E-Mail: Chair:
01622 630165
clerk@bearstedparishcouncil.gov.uk Fiona Redman
MEETINGS HELD SECOND TUESDAYOFMONTH (7.30PM) AND THE PUBLIC IS VERY WELCOME
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