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Thurnham Parish News
Your views vital in local planning
Meetings normally held on the third Monday of each month at the Marriott Tudor Park Hotel. Public welcome.
CHAIRMAN: Daniel Skinner CLERK: Sherrie Babington 01634 867173
Online call THE chairman questioned the
lack of public participation at the recent virtual meetings of the parish council.
The clerk confirmed all meet-
ings were promoted on the coun- cil website, but it was agreed that future meetings would be adver- tised on all parish noticeboards, to inform and encourage all those who may not use the website.
LOCAL planning dominated dis- cussions when Thurnham Parish Council held a virtual meeting on October 19. Borough councillor Nick de Wig- gondene said much work was being done to support Neighbour- hood Plans. He said: “We’re fighting for land that ought to be protected, against officers who think they can push anything through.” Questioned by Cllr John Horne
over several reports from the re- cent Downs Mail supplement, “The Future of Maidstone”, Cllr Wiggondene confirmed he was “fighting our corner” in local cor- ridors of power.
Cllr Horne said the fight against proposed housing development next to Otham Church had reached a “ridiculous situation”.
He added: “Information is not shared. MBC will not release all their correspondence with devel- oper, Bellway Homes, and they need to be more forthcoming. There is a distinct inequality of
arms. While Bellway Homes have access to all kinds of expert advice, at parish level we cannot meet the finance to access an equal re- sponse.” County councillor Shellina Pren- dergast, pressing for local commu- nities to stay involved with planning consultations, said: “I be- lieve it’s very important that local people should have a say in their own area.”
While stressing that Kent County Council is working hard on behalf of local business and communities to prepare for Brexit, she warned of a £100m budget gap next year due to the effects of Covid-19.
While KCC is lobbying for gov- ernment funding, she stressed that community input was vital to a budget consultation document launched in October. She said: “Everyone is invited to submit budget ideas. It’s going to be a real challenge, but our prior- ity is to get the county back on its feet.”
downsmail.co.uk Caring Lane
traffic issues CARING Lane dominated high- way matters after traffic turmoil around Leeds led to congestion. A lack of passing places and dis- courteous drivers exacerbate prob- lems, especially for walkers and other road users. It was pointed out that Kent Po-
lice would be unable to enforce any speed restriction. The introduction of improved signs promoting “shared space” was thought the best idea and it was suggested that Sustrans, the charity promoting the National Cycle Network, could be a potential backer for signage. The chairman suggested a com-
bined approach with neighbouring parish councils.
Zoom training THE chairman asked the clerk to
arrange training for any parish councillors who are still unfamiliar with Zoom, the internet platform used for virtual meetings.
Awards delay
THE Thurnham Heritage Award has been deferred to 2021.
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