Download pdf - Inside Swale Autumn 2012

magazine

Diffi culty in understanding this magazine? Need it in Braille, large print or on audio tape? For translations or interpretations contact us and we will do our best to help.Tel: 01795 417 850 Email: [email protected] Autumn 2012

Keeping you informed about your council servicesp g y y

4 page pull-out Kerbside Collection Calendar Also in this issueStart up in SwaleCouncil Tax Support consultation

www.swale.gov.uk Have your say – help shape Swalewww.swale.gov.uk/LEF

ContentsSigning of Spirit of Sittingbourne .................4Customer Service Excellence ......................6What can Sheppey Gateway do for you ......7Start up in Swale ..........................................8Council Tax Support Consultation ............10Make sure you can vote ............................11News from Medway Maritime .......... 12 &13Kerbside collection calendar ............. 15 - 18Healthy Club launches in Swale .................19FREE loft and cavity wall insulation ...........20Tell us what matters to you .............. 21 & 22Sheppey’s success in lottery fund bid ........23Donations for Demelza .............................25Torch Relay in Faversham ................. 26 & 27Around the Parishes ..................................29Your Councillors ............................... 30 & 31

Inside Swale is written and designed by Swale Borough Council’s Communications and Marketing Team, printed by Headley Brothers on environmentally friendly paper and distributed by The National Leafl et Company. It cost less than 10p a copy.

Contact: Swale Borough CouncilSwale House, East Street, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 3HTphone: 01795 417 850email: [email protected]: www.swale.gov.uk

Our corporate priorities are:

Embracing LocalismOpen for BusinessHealthy Environment

Swale Borough Council neither endorse or accept any liability for representations made by its advertisers.

If you would like to advertise in this magazine and would like to know more about rates, please contact the Communications Manager: Jason Wignall on 01795 417 149or email [email protected]

2 Inside Swale

The LeaderWelcome to September’s issue of Inside Swale, Swale Borough Council’s residents magazine.

Summer saw a number of events which marked moments in history for the borough. The Olympic Torch made its way through Faversham as part of the relay which went around the entire country, before getting to the Olympic Park in London. Thanks to the hard work of many, it was a fantastic day, with 28,000 spectators turning up.

I would like to thank everyone who volunteered to become a marshal for when the Torch passed through, everyone involved really helped make it the success it was.

The summer was also important for the regeneration of Sittingbourne. The Sittingbourne Town Centre Development Agreement was signed in August by Swale Borough Council and the Spirit of Sittingbourne Consortium, marking the start of the regeneration of the Town. Many of you may also have noticed or seen the demolition of the water tower at the old paper mill site, with the ever growing Morrisons store going up.

With the summer months now at an end, and the winter drawing closer, you will fi nd your bin collection pull out guide, with all the information you will need for collections over the Christmas period.Andrew Bowles Leader

Front cover: The Clocktower, Sheerness

Inside Swale 3

http://tiny.cc/Swale-FB http://twitter.com/SwaleCouncil www.swale.gov.uk

SwimmingLessonsat Swallows and Sheppey Leisure Centres ENR

OL

NOW!

With expert help and guidance from our instructors, workoutclasses, swimming pools and state-of-the-art gym equipment,feel great whilst getting fit in the gym and pool this Autumn. Annual membership starts from £179.55.*

£17.95**per month includes FREE Unlimited Swimming.

Become a fan on FacebookFollow us on Twitter @GymInSwale or @SwimInSwale

*Relates to off peak annual membership at Swallows Leisure Centre on a 12 month minimum rolling term contract. Other memberships also available, see online for details. **Price and offer quoted only applies to a 12-month Direct Debit contract.Terms and conditions apply, all parts of this offer subject to change.

For full details of all facilities, swimming courses available and view activity timetableand prices, please visit:

www.swaleleisure.comTo discuss your child’s individual requirements with a swimming co-ordinator call:

How much for ahealthier you?

9*12monthsfor the price of

at Swallows and SheppeyLeisure Centres

Swallows Leisure CentreTel: 01795 420 420

Sheppey Leisure ComplexTel: 01795 668 652


4 Inside Swale Open for Business

Legal challenge withdrawnSwale Borough Council has now been informed that the application for Judicial Review of the Neats Court development has been withdrawn. This means that work can now begin on building the new Morrisons store on the Isle of Sheppey.

John Wright, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “We are very pleased. This now removes the last obstacle to construction work being started at the Neats Court development which will create jobs and retain spend on the Island. Along with the expansion at Aesica in Queenborough, it provides some welcome news for the Island and to some extent counterbalances the recent disappointment of the Vestas withdrawal from the Port of Sheerness”.

Signing of Spirit of SittingbourneSwale Borough Council and Spirit of Sittingbourne have signed the long-awaited Development Agreement which will enable the regeneration of Sittingbourne to start in earnest.

Spirit of Sittingbourne was selected as Swale Borough Council’s development partner in February 2011, and work has been on-going over the past eighteen months to reach agreement on legal negotiations. Spirit’s proposals were judged to be the most likely to achieve the Council’s long term objective to regenerate the Town Centre through high quality planning, design and architecture.

Later phases of the development will include residential and large format retail developments at various locations in the town centre.Andrew Bowles, Leader of Swale Borough Council and Richard Upton of the Spirit of Sittingbourne Consortium sign the development agreement witnessed by Roger Gough, KCC and Cllr. John Wright, Abdool Kara and Pete Raine of Swale Borough Council.


Inside Swale 5

RECORD A LEVEL RESULTSThe Isle of Sheppey Academy celebrates record A level results. There was an overall 99% pass rate with 100% of students leaving with two or more A levels. There were 108 Year 13 students claiming A level and level 3 BTEC successes this week. The overall points score increased signi cantly from 2011, breaking the 600 point barrier for the rst time in the Academy’s history at 666, a 100 point improvement on 2011, with the average score per entry at 223 which also represents a 10% improvement on 2011.

The Academy bucked the national dip in the highest A level grades and increased its proportion of Grade A and A* awards.

At the time of a national dip in Grade A scores the most academically gifted students excelled at the Academy with record A grade outcomes: 47 Grade A* or distinction* scores were achieved, and in addition 67 students recorded either a Grade A or A* in at least one academic A Level or BTEC equivalent. With such high levels of success it is hard to pick out individual students, but those deserving special accolades include: Shannon Eastoe with four A level passes including two Grade A and one A* in Law, Sociology and Citizenship and English Literature; Kirsty McSweeney with two Grade A scores and a B in Law, Sociology and English Literature; Anna Beresford with one Grade A and two Grade B in Sociology, History and

English Literature. More than one in ve students sitting an academic A Level obtained Grade A or A*, 43% were at Grade B or better, and 70% at Grades A* – C.

RECORD GCSE RESULTSThe Isle of Sheppey Academy celebrates a third consecutive year of improving GCSE results. 83% of students achieved ve good GCSE grades which is an Academy record and a 9% improvement on the previous year. 36% of students achieved ve A* – C GCSE including Maths and English, 1% higher than in 2011. This progress is against a

reported national drop in GCSE gures.

The Academy bucked national decline in Grade A scores with a 300% improvement, B grades and Merits awards were up from 206 in 2011 to 395

in 2012.

Another measure of progress was that 35

students celebrated more than ve A* – A grades compared with 12 in 2011.

GCSE Maths improved to 48% achieving A* – C grades, English was at 49%, and several BTEC quali cations secured 100% pass rates including Art, Beauty, Construction, Drama, Hairdressing, Health and Social Care.

With the new building work already underway and on schedul to open by March 2013, the Academy facilities will improve at both Minster and Sheerness sites to provide new classrooms which include a Theatre, Vocational rooms, ICT suites, new sports elds and state

of the art classrooms to support the academic progress already being made.

David Day, Principal

OPEN DAYSPlease come and see for yourself how we are improving. You will meet the Principal and teaching staff, and see for yourself how are wonderful new buildings are progressing.

26th SeptemberYear 6 Academy Tours9am – 11am East Site

Year 6 Academy Open Evening6 – 8pm East Site

27th SeptemberYear 6 Academy Tours9am – 11am West Site

Year 6 Academy Open Evening6 – 8pm West Site

The Isle of Sheppey AcademyMinster Road

Minster on SeaKent ME12 3JQ

01795 873591 East Site01795 662474 West Site

www.theisleofsheppeyacademy.org.uk

The Isle of Sheppey Academy celebrates recordA level & GCSE results and bucks the national trend

Learn, BelieveAchieve


6 Inside Swale Open for Business

Swale Borough Council always trys to provide the best possible service standards to residents. It is through the hard work of our Customer Services staff that our efforts have again been independently recognised with an award.

Customer Services has again achieved the government accreditation in ‘Customer Service Excellence’ due to the continued dedication of the team.

The Customer Service Excellence Standard, developed to replace the Charter Mark, lies at the heart of a government strategy to provide ‘effi cient, effective, excellent, equitable and empowering’ public services.

Customer Services at Swale were fi rst successfully assessed in May 2011. In June 2012 it was time for another annual re-assessment and we are pleased to say that we have maintained the standard to keep the Customer Service Excellence award.

Swale’s Legal Services Team were also one of the teams to have gained an excellence standard, this time in the form of a Lexcel accreditation. The Team have been working towards the accreditation, which is a Legal Practice Management Standard, that is only awarded to legal teams that meet the high management and customer care standards demanded. Following an assessment at the end of May they were able to gain accreditation with no points of non-compliance that need to be addressed.

6 Inside Swale Open for Busine

Customer Service excellence achieved once again


Inside Swale 7

What can Sheppey Gateway do for you?Sheppey Gateway provides you with access to a wide range of public, voluntary and community services under one roof. Services include: Kent Association for the Blind (KAB), Together Mental Wellbeing, Victim Support, Health Trainers, Hi Kent, FACES of Kent and Shaw Trust. In the heart of Sheerness Town Centre, you can get advice on housing, benefi ts, pay council bills by cheque, credit or debit cards (not in cash), access library services, join up to educational courses and much more – there is even free internet access.

Kent and Medway NHS Partnership Trust currently run their Mental Health Access Appointments from the Gateway. Swale’s Citizen Advice Bureau runs a drop in session every Wednesday morning between 10am and 12noon giving advice on money matters.

Access to Kent County Council services are available as well including Bus Pass applications, highways enquiries and Blue Badge applications. Registration of births and deaths takes place within the Gateway by appointment on a Thursday afternoon and all day every Friday.

For more information or to fi nd out about other services within the Gateway please come in and ask a member of staff or visit our website:www.swale.gov.uk/sheppey-gateway

Gateway opening hours Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm Saturdays 9am to 5pm.

Council services availableMonday to Friday 9am to 5pm (Wednesday until 6pm) Saturday 9am to 12noon.

Embracing Localism

8 Inside Swale


Embracing Localism

Swale launches its local loan fundWe have now launched our local loan fund to support community groups within Swale to enable management and delivery of local services and facilities..Applications are being welcomed to the new £250,000 fund to support voluntary, community or not-for-profi t organisations and town and parish councils in Swale.Councillor Mike Cosgrove, Swale Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Localism, said: “The launch of the local loan fund is such a good way to support communities and voluntary groups in Swale. It can provide added support to help get a great project off the ground.“If you would like to apply for a loan, download an application form from: www.swale.gov.uk/swale-local-loan-fund or contact Tina Grubb on 01795 417 218.

Start up in SwalePotential entrepreneurs in Swale now have free access to a new business support programme sponsored by Swale Borough Council and delivered by Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.

Through a series of workshops and one-to-one advice sessions, business owners and entrepreneurs can now tap in to the full range of services, expertise and benefi ts provided by Kent Invicta’s Chamber’s Business Support Team.

The programme caters for individuals and businesses working in the private sector or providing community

services as a charity or not-for-profi t organisation.

Councillor John Wright, Swale Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration said of the new programme: “I’m so pleased that this project is being rolled out across the borough, it is a real step forward in rebuilding after the recession. Encouraging small business to start-up in Swale is something the Council is striving towards. Small businesses are the way forward in regenerating our towns.”

To fi nd out more about the programme and how your business could benefi t please call: 01795 379 012 or email [email protected] or visit www.kentinvictachamber.co.uk

Make Kent quickerRegister your demand for better broadband through the ‘Make Kent Quicker’ campaign. It only takes fi ve minutes, so please sign up to register your demand at www.makekentquicker.com

If you have no broadband access, please register at a KCC library or Gateway or contact our Contact Centre on 08458 247 247.

Cllr. John Wright with Jo James of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce

Inside Swale 9


BE INSPIREDKent Adult Education has a great variety of courses to choose from to kick-start your career. Why not take a look at what you could do.

To see more and to enrol go to www.kentadulteducation.co.uk or call 0845 606 5606 today!

LOOKING FFFOROR OR OR OR OR OR ORR AAAAA NAAA EW CAREER? WHYWHYWHYWHYWHYWHYWHY NONONO NON NO NOT OT OT OT OT OT OT OBBTABTABTABTABTAAIIIN INN II AA QUALIFICATTIONION

• Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools level 3• Bookkeeping & Accounts level 1 & level 2• Therapeutic Counselling Certificate level 3 and Diploma level 4• ECDL Extra level 1 & level 2 ITQ Certificate• Start your own business• GCSE maths and English

Another Choice...At Kent College pupils realise their dreams Strong pastoral support

Excellent results

School bus service from Sittingbourne, Bapchild, Teynham and Faversham

Senior School Junior School www.kentcollege.com

Have your say – help shape Swalewww.swale.gov.uk/LEF

www.swale.gov.uk

10 Inside Swale Embracing Localism

From April 2013, the Government has announced that Council Tax Benefi t will no longer exist in its current form. Instead, councils will need to operate a local Council Tax Support scheme. To ensure we have a scheme that best suits our Borough, the Council is consulting with residents on its proposals.Under the new scheme the amount of fi nancial support the council will receive from the government will be reduced by at least 10%. Early estimates suggest this represents a reduction of at least 1.2 million in 2013/14. The Council received £12m in grant from the government to fund council Tax Benefi t in 2012/13. Swale gets 52% of its funding from Central Government.The Government has stated that people of state pension age who currently get Council Tax Benefi t must be protected. Two out of every fi ve people who receive Council Tax Benefi t are pensioners.The Council’s initial proposal is to reduce the amount of support to all working age applicants by 18.5% in the fi rst year. This fi gure is higher than the 10% cut mentioned earlier because all people of pension age currently in receipt of Council Tax Benefi t are being protected under government rules. This means that the 10% cut in total funding has to be shared amongst a smaller pool of benefi t recipients.

The reduction in government funding for 2013/14 onwards means we have to make some diffi cult decisions about who gets fi nancial support and how much. People who have reached the age for State Pension Credit will be assessed under a national scheme which will be decided by the Government. The national scheme is likely to be very similar to the current one.

Swale Borough Council’s preferred draft scheme is based on the principles below: fi nancial support will be in the form of a discount to Council Tax bills, with entitlement assessed by a means test so that people with the least money will receive the most help the means test will be based on your income and savings, similar to how Council Tax Benefi t is worked out now support will be distributed as widely as possible among people eligible to claim the discount the scheme will assist people moving into, and on low paid, work.

It is very important that we get your views on our proposals, please fi ll in our survey to give us your feedback. Consultation will end on 7 October 2012. More information can be found on www.swale.gov.uk where you can also fi ll in an online version of the consultation.

If you have any questions or require a printed copy of the consultation form please phone our Customer Services on 01795 417 580.

Council Tax Support Consultation

10 Inside Swale Embracing Localism

Before making a decision on the final shape of the new scheme, the council is seeking the views of residents.

Inside Swale 11


To vote in elections and referenda, your name needs to be on the electoral register. This year the register is being published early, in time for the fi rst Police and Crime Commisioner elections on 15 November.

Residents are being urged to respond to the electoral registration form delivered to their home, if they haven’t already done so.

The job of the police and crime commissioner will be to ensure the policing needs of their communities are met as effectively as possible, bringing communities and police closer together,.

Abdool Kara, Electoral Registration Offi cer and Local Returning Offi cer at Swale Borough Council, said: “Thank you to all of you who have registered to vote so far, and we have now reached over 75%.

But this does vary across the Borough - some parts of the Borough have had a very positive response, reaching over 80% registration, whilst other parts are signifi cantly behind that fi gure. We want to encourage all residents to register, so that as many eligible people as possible can vote in forthcoming elections. “Registering to vote is quick and simple. There are several simple ways to respond, either using the internet, freephone or SMS service, or via post using the prepaid envelope supplied. If you want your say in these new elections, you must ensure you’re registered to vote.”Details of how to respond are set out on the form; however, if there are any queries please contact the Customer Services on 01795 417 850.

Don’t be a Don’t be a non-starternon-starter

If you’re not registered, If you’re not registered, you can’t vote.you can’t vote.

Make sure you can vote for your Police and Crime Commissioner

www.swale.gov.uk Have your say – help shape Swalewww.swale.gov.uk/LEFHHHww

12 Inside Swale News from Medway Maritime Hospital

Participation in clinical research demonstrates the Trust’s commitment to improving the quality of care we offer and to contributing to wider health improvement. It means that our clinical staff stay abreast of the latest treatment possibilities, and involving patients into appropriate research projects to improve or cure their condition, makes a positive difference to their lives and that is extremely important to us.

The Trust’s commitment to improve research began in August 2009 when a dedicated research and development offi ce was established. Some of the initiatives implemented by the research and development offi ce include publicising research, developing collaborations with local academic partners, and strengthening links with clinical research networks. Today, compared with 2007, the number of research projects has increased 3.5 fold and patient participation has increased 25 fold. Patients are offered a wider choice of treatments, research amongst medical staff has greatly improved, and research and development is at the forefront of the Trust’s agenda.

Research Manager, Edyta McCallum said: “Research shows that active trusts provide higher quality care and services to patients and carers. A strong reputation for

research makes a trust a more appealing place to work, attracting better than average staff and improving retention. And it’s great for patients too because it gives participants access to modern treatment and medicine which is highly regulated; it includes more stringent testing to ensure maximum benefi ts are achieved, as well as access to expert care and specialists to discuss symptoms and progress. We were delighted that over the past year we achieved a staggering 4,204 participants, and we currently have the highest recruitment of participants in Kent, for our projects. We have no intention of slowing down on what we have achieved; further expansion of the research portfolio, even larger patient participation and more funding applications are all on the cards.”

Leading in research

Edyta McCallum


Inside Swale 13

Better care togetherProposed integration of Medway NHS Foundation Trust and Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust Medway NHS Foundation Trust and Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, which run Medway Maritime Hospital and Darent Valley Hospital, are still on track to come together as one trust in spring 2013.

Whilst both hospitals will continue to offer all core services, including consultant-led A&E, maternity, children’s and outpatients’ services, the integrated trust will be looking to develop and improve access to some more specialised services. One example of this is allergy services, as Dr Alaisdair Stewart, a respiratory consultant at Medway Maritime Hospital who heads up Kent’s only allergy service, explains:

“Integration is a great opportunity for us to bring allergy services closer to our patients. The service is currently run only at Medway Maritime Hospital but, following integration, we plan to hold

clinics at Darent Valley Hospital. This will reduce travel time for our West Kent patients and improve access for patients living in South East London.

“As a bigger service, seeing more patients, we will look to both increase the size of our team and the range of services we can offer patients. One new service that we would like to offer in the future is challenge testing. This is testing patients to see if they respond to specifi c allergens in a controlled environment. Currently our patients have to travel to London teaching hospitals for challenge testing or we have to make decisions to avoid a food, drug or substance which could be safely used if the challenge was negative.

“As a team, we are very excited by the prospect of working with our colleagues at Darent Valley Hospital to offer a more comprehensive, local allergy service to our patients across Kent.”

Visit www.medway.nhs.uk for the latest news and updates.

Have a question? Email: [email protected] Call: 01634 830 000 ext.6761

Help make decisions about future healthcare servicesMembership is the best way to be involved in the Trust’s work and to get your views heard. As a member you will also benefi t from the NHS discounts online scheme which offers great bargains with over 200 well known stores and brands. And it’s all completely free.

Members’ events and public meetings are held regularly, but if you are not yet a member and would like to come along, you are welcome to sign up on the night (membership is free). Events are free to attend and parking charges are reimbursed if you book in advance.

Contact the membership offi ce on 01634 825 292 or visit www.medway.nhs.uk to fi nd out more about membership and our events.


14 Inside Swale

Our accessible Bathrooms

With stylish, homely and comfortable suites we give you continued privacy and safety

whilst living in your own home.

Come in and see for yourself!

Registered disabled exempt from VAT. Terms & conditions apply

Large showroom at: Vine Farm, Stockers Hill, Boughton-under-Blean, Faversham, Kent, ME13 9AB

www.rkbb.co.uk01227 751130


Kerbside Recyclingand Refuse Collections

October 2012- September 2013

Newspapers, magazines, junk mail, wrapping paper, greetings cards, telephone

directories, envelopes, catalogues, cardboard,

toilet and kitchen roll tubes

Plastic milk bottles, squash bottles, fi zzy drink bottles, detergent bottles,

fabric conditioner bottles, washing liquid bottles,

bleach bottles

Food cans (soup, baked beans), drink cans, aerosol cans, foil trays/

dishes, aluminium foil, pet food cans.

Glass Bottles, Glass JarsPLEASE USE THE

BLACK INSERT BOX Glass must be kept separate

from other recyclables

NO THANK YOU

Food, polystyrene, orange juice cartons, pet food sachets, garden

waste, clothes, carrier bags, clinical waste, needles and

sharp objects

What can I put in my blue recycling bin?


Inside Swale 15Healthy Environment

Week 1 Calendar

Blue Wheelie Bin Collection week Green Wheelie Bin Collection week

The week 1 and 2 collection calendars are a continuation of current collections. If you are still unsure whether you are a week one or two customer or have any other queries visit our website www.swale.gov.uk or contact the Customer Service Centre on 01795 417 850.

COLLECTIONS DISRUPTED BY WEATHER (e.g. snow and ice): please leave your bins out on collection day and we will get to you as soon as we can. Daily updates will be on our website www.swale.gov.uk, from Customer Services 01795 417 850, and supplied to all local media.

16 Inside Swale Healthy Environment


March 2013Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun

1 1 2 34 5 6 7 8 9 1011 12 13 14 15 16 1718 19 20 21 22 23 2425 26 27 28 29 30 31

October 2012Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun

1 2 3 4 5 6 78 9 10 11 12 13 1415 16 17 18 19 20 2122 23 24 25 26 27 2829 30 31

November 2012Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun

1 2 3 45 6 7 8 9 10 1112 13 14 15 16 17 1819 20 21 22 23 24 2526 27 28 29 30

December 2012Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun

1 1 23 4 5 6 7 8 910 11 12 13 14 15 1617 18 19 20 21 22 2324 25 26 27 28 29 3031

January 2013Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun

1 2 3 4 5 67 8 9 10 11 12 1314 15 16 17 18 19 2021 22 23 24 25 26 2728 29 30 31

February 2013Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun

1 1 2 34 5 6 7 8 9 1011 12 13 14 15 16 1718 19 20 21 22 23 2425 26 27 28

April 2013Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun

1 2 3 4 5 6 78 9 10 11 12 13 1415 16 17 18 19 20 2122 23 24 25 26 27 2829 30

May 2013Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun

1 1 2 3 4 56 7 8 9 10 11 1213 14 15 16 17 18 1920 21 22 23 24 25 2627 28 29 30 31

June 2013Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun

1 2 1 23 4 5 6 7 8 910 11 12 13 14 15 1617 18 19 20 21 22 2324 25 26 27 28 29 30

July 2013Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun

1 2 3 4 5 6 78 9 10 11 12 13 1415 16 17 18 19 20 2122 23 24 25 26 27 2829 30 31

August 2013Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun

1 2 3 45 6 7 8 9 10 1112 13 14 15 16 17 1819 20 21 22 23 24 2526 27 28 29 30 31

September 2013Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun

12 3 4 5 6 7 89 10 11 12 13 14 1516 17 18 19 20 21 2223 24 25 26 27 28 2930

(Isle of Sheppey, West Sitingbourne including Iwade, Newington, Hartlip, Upchurch and Lower Halstow)

Week 2 CalendarInside Swale 17


March 2013Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun

1 1 2 34 5 6 7 8 9 1011 12 13 14 15 16 1718 19 20 21 22 23 2425 26 27 28 29 30 31

October 2012Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun

1 2 3 4 5 6 78 9 10 11 12 13 1415 16 17 18 19 20 2122 23 24 25 26 27 2829 30 31

November 2012Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun

1 2 3 45 6 7 8 9 10 1112 13 14 15 16 17 1819 20 21 22 23 24 2526 27 28 29 30

December 2012Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun

1 1 23 4 5 6 7 8 910 11 12 13 14 15 1617 18 19 20 21 22 2324 25 26 27 28 29 3031

January 2013Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun

1 2 3 4 5 67 8 9 10 11 12 1314 15 16 17 18 19 2021 22 23 24 25 26 2728 29 30 31

February 2013Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun

1 1 2 34 5 6 7 8 9 1011 12 13 14 15 16 1718 19 20 21 22 23 2425 26 27 28

April 2013Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun

1 2 3 4 5 6 78 9 10 11 12 13 1415 16 17 18 19 20 2122 23 24 25 26 27 2829 30

May 2013Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun

1 1 2 3 4 56 7 8 9 10 11 1213 14 15 16 17 18 1920 21 22 23 24 25 2627 28 29 30 31

June 2013Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun

1 2 1 23 4 5 6 7 8 910 11 12 13 14 15 1617 18 19 20 21 22 2324 25 26 27 28 29 30

July 2013Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun

1 2 3 4 5 6 78 9 10 11 12 13 1415 16 17 18 19 20 2122 23 24 25 26 27 2829 30 31

August 2013Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun

1 2 3 45 6 7 8 9 10 1112 13 14 15 16 17 1819 20 21 22 23 24 2526 27 28 29 30 31

September 2013Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun

12 3 4 5 6 7 89 10 11 12 13 14 1516 17 18 19 20 21 2223 24 25 26 27 28 2930

Christmas and New Year collections 2012-13If your normal collection falls on

Your collection will take place

If your normal collection falls on

Your collection will take place

Mon 24th Dec Collection as normal Mon 31st Dec Tues 1st JanTues 25th Dec Thurs 27th Dec Tues 1st Jan Weds 2nd JanWeds 26th Dec Fri 28th Dec Weds 2nd Jan Thurs 3rd JanThurs 27th Dec Sat 29th Dec Thurs 3rd Jan Fri 4th JanFri 28th Dec Mon 31st Dec Fri 4th Jan Sat 5th Jan

(Faversham and surrounding villages, Teynham, Lynsted, Doddington, Newnham and East Sittingbourne)

Useful tips on the Council’s successful Twin Bin SchemeTips for keeping your bin fresh Keep the lid closed to avoid smell and reduce the attraction to fl ies Recycle as much as you can to reduce the amount of rubbish that goes in the green bin. Avoid putting loose scraps or leftovers direct into the bin. Wrap food waste securely before placing in green bin. Double wrap any waste you think may attract fl ies. Rinse out empty containers before placing in bin...save water and rinse using washing up water. Wash bin out completely from time-to-time, not forgetting the inside of the lid, using warm water and disinfectant.

The refuse code of conduct Refuse must be out by 7am on the property boundary with the handles facing outwards on the day collection. No excess refuse is taken on green bin day. Excess recycling can be put out beside the blue bin but not in black sacks please. Lids should be closed to avoid damage by strong winds or during emptying. Do not place heavy materials such as stone, soil, rubble etc. or hot ashes in bins. Missed collections reports cannot be made until after 4pm on the day of collection to allow for crews to fi nish rounds BUT must be reported within two working days.

Collections are for domestic waste only. Garden waste is not accepted in the green or blue bin. An annual subscription service is available for garden waste (brown bin scheme). This is currently £40.61 a year, which includes the hire of the brown bin and 26 fortnightly collections. To subscribe, online visit www.swale.gov.uk/garden-waste/ or contact Customer Services.

Disposal of large domestic items can be arranged (a charge may apply) by contacting Customer Services on 01795 417 850.

Household recycling sitesOpening times:Monday to Saturday 8am – 4.30pmSunday and Bank Holidays 9am – 4pm (closed Christmas, Boxing and New Years days)Located at: Salters Lane, Faversham Station Road, Sheerness Gas Road, Sittingbourne

DANGER! VERY IMPORTANTPlease do NOT put sharp items such as saws, syringes, tools,

broken glass, etc., in your bins as they can cause serious injury to waste operatives.

18 Inside Swale


Healthy Environment

Inside Swale 19


Inside Swale 19

Sharps service!Swale Borough Council has launched a new service to help residents dispose of their medical needles. Patients can now take their full sharps box to one of four participating pharmacies in the area and be given a replacement box.

The Cabinet Member for Environment Cllr David Simmons says: “Swale Borough Council in partnership with Kent County Council are pleased to be able to offer additional assistance to residents of the borough who require an outlet to safely dispose of sharps items.”

If you would like to use the pharmacy scheme, please register with us on 01795 417 850.

To fi nd a list of the four pharmacies working with the Councils you can visit: www.swale.gov.uk/clinical-waste.

A Kent wide project, which already has 19,362 members, is set to encourage the residents of Swale to lead a healthier lifestyle.

The health of Swale residents is below the national average, with the levels of obesity putting a strain on health and other related services. Only 48% of residents do any form of physical activity.

The Healthy Club, now rolling out in Kent including Swale, is part of the Department of Health Change4Life project.

By joining the Healthy Club people will be supported on each small step they take towards a healthier, happier and more active lifestyle. It will give members information on local offers, activities and events, healthy tips and details of how they can join in and take part.

Swale Borough Council’s role will be to work with partners and providers, to offer incentives for people who join the club, provide a list of what is on offer and promote the scheme.

If you have any questions about the Healthy Club and to request a joining pack, please contact Nicole Ward - [email protected] or 07756 100 449.

Healthy Club launches in Swale



A A new NHS report to be published this autumn shows four wards in Sheppey

have some of the highest rates of obesity in the country. Dr Armstrong, a

GP at Grovehurst Surgery in Kemsley said “Along with NHS Kent and Medway, and Swale

Borough Council the Clinical Commissioning Group is working hard to tackle heart and lung disease through its Sittingbourne and Sheppey Beats and Breathes project. I hope London 2012 has inspired people to get involved in sport”.

To sign up to a NHS Health Trainer call 0800 849 4000.

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Living In Safety EventThis fantastic event offers advice for over 60’s and the disabled on living a safe, independent and healthy life and will be held this year at the Sheppey Healthy Living Centre off the Broadway, Sheerness, Kent, ME12 1HH on Friday 28 September 2012 from 10am until 1pm.

NHS Health Trainer and Charlie Hall from Sheerness at Faversham Olympic Torch Event

Call 0800 083 7383 to find out more or to book a free, no obligation survey.

www.swale.gov.uk/energy-bills/This offer is available to home owners and private tenants,

regardless of financial situation. Funding ends 31st December 2012

FREE loft and cavity wall

insulation for ALL Swale residents!

Inside Swale 21


Working together to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in Swale

Tell us what’s important to you?The Swale Community Safety Partnership (CSP) brings together the police, councils and local authorities to help deal with crime and anti-social behaviour more effectively and effi ciently.

Chief Executive Abdool Kara says: “We want to focus Swale’s police, council and community safety partnership resources on the areas that matter most to you.

“Therefore we are asking you to tell us your top THREE

priorities. These may be about where you live, work or visit in the borough.”

Please either complete the brief questionnaire on the next page or alternatively complete it online at www.swalecsp.co.ukReturn paper copies in an envelope addressed to:Community Safety Unit, Swale House, East Street, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 3HT

The CSP is committed to achieving fairness and equality. It really helps us if you also complete the Equal Opportunities section of the questionnaire as we can better ensure that services are accessible and useful to the whole of our local community.

The information you provide will not identify you, but will help us to target resources.

Always remember, In an emergency or if you are in immediate dangercall 999For non-emergencies call 101



Your gender Male Female

Your age Up to 21 22 - 25 26 - 30 31 - 35 41 - 45 46 - 50 51 – 55 56 - 60 61 - 65 65+ Prefer not to say

Sexual orientation Hetrosexual Gay Bisexual Prefer not to say

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 defi nes disability as ‘a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long term adverse effect on the ability to carry out normal day to day activities’.Do you consider yourself to be disabled as described in the Act Yes No Rather not say

Your religion Buddhist Christian Hindu Jewish Muslim Sikh None Prefer not to say Other (Please specify) _______________________

Your ethnicity African Bangladeshi Caribbean Chinese

English Gypsy

European Roma Indian

Irish Traveller

Mixed Race African

Mixed Race Caribbean Pakistani

White British White Other

Prefer not to say

Other (Please specify) ___________________________________________________

You set priorities we take action

What’s important to you?Please choose your TOP THREE PRIORITIES only Alcohol related issues Criminal Damage Vehicle-related nuisance Anti-social behaviour Domestic Abuse Speeding Deliberate fi res Drug related issues Burglary & Robbery Parking problems Feelings of safety Lack of youth activities Noise Youth nuisance Vehicle crime Environmental issues (litter; fl ytipping; graffi ti etc) Police & Warden Visibility Rehabilitation of offenders (prevent further crime) Opportunities to shape

my community No issue Other (Please specify) ________________________

What is your postcode?_______________________

Equal Opportunities Monitoring - Optional Section


Inside Swale 23

The Mayor of Swale, Councillor Pat Sandle, Council Leader, Councillor Andrew Bowles and Chief Executive, Abdool Kara held a Civic Reception for the Russian Equestrian Eventing team on Monday evening.

A presentation was made to the Team, who for the duration of their stay trained at Eyehorn Farm, an equestrian facility in Oad Street, near Sittingbourne, before moving on to London for the Games themselves. During the reception members of the team commented on the warm reception and how they really appreciated and hospitality given by Swale.

Russian Equestrians visit Council

Sheppey’s success in Lottery Fund BidSwale Borough Council’s bid to help to make a Sustainable Sheppey has been successful meaning a 3 year project has gained funding of £946,000 from the Big Lottery Fund.

The Sustainable Sheppey project will help to prepare communities on the Isle of Sheppey for the opportunities and challenges that come with climate change.

Projects include community renewable energy feasibility studies, sustainable homes and schools and waste oil recycling.

Swale Borough Council has worked with partners and it is this joint working which has led to the bid being successful. Partners include Kent County Council, Amicus Horizon, Sheppey Matters, Groundwork UK, Work This Way, HMP Standford Hill, Southern Water and Eastchurch Village Hall.

Councillor Andrew Bowles, Leader of Swale Borough Council, said: “I am delighted that the hard work we have undertaken along with our partners in developing this exciting bid has paid off. The projects proposed, and now funded, will make a real difference to the lives of the people of Sheppey enabling them to live more sustainable lives, save money and be better prepared for the impacts of climate change.”

News

www.swale.gov.uk Have your say – help shape Swalewww.swale.gov.uk/LEFHHHHHHHHHHwww

24 Inside Swale

FREE COMPUTER CLASSES

Complete BeginnersLearn how to use the Computer, send

Emails and visit Websites on the Internet.Other courses, certifi cation & discounted

computers are also available.Please pop in or give us a call today.

Tel: 01795 439994Aff ordable Computer Services

45a High StreetSittingbourne

KentME10 4AW

Registered Charity 1145348

www.Aff ordableComputerServices.org.uk www.shipinnconyer.co.uk t 01795 520881

Contemporary Pub and Eating House: log fires, arm chairs, dining room, courtyard & garden, in a fabulous walking area - the Saxon Shore Way and Swale Heritage Trail. Dogs & children welcome. Great British Cuisine: from our light lunch menu to dining à la Carte with a wide selection of traditional dishes prepared by our chef from locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.

Food served daily ~12noon to 2.30pm & 7pm to 9pm

Sunday Lunch 12noon to 4pmFREE HOUSE with good range of cask ales,

beers, & wine.~venue for Special occasions~

CHRISTMAS PARTY BOOKINGS now being taken

DancingBALLET, TAP, MODERN JAZZ,

STREET, TROUPE,CHEERLEADING & ZUMBA

ActingTRINTY COLLEGEQUALIFICATION

SingingFOR FUN!

,

“Where aspiring talent develops”

Acting, Dancing and Singing for the Isle of Sheppey

ti D i d Si i

IslandPerforming

Arts

PO Box 194, Sheerness, Kent, ME12 4AZ01795 228022 - 07816 989397

[email protected]

Graveney Road, Faversham, Kent, ME13 8URTel: 01795 532180 Fax: 01795 590193Email: [email protected]

www.ladydanevets.com


Inside Swale 25

Thanks to residents in Swale, the Big Break scheme that Swale Borough Council took part in, which ran from March to the end of June, has led to a donation of £311.60 being made to Demelza.

The scheme saw the charity benefi t every time a Swale resident opted to pay their Council Tax by Direct Debit. In the spring if you set up a new Direct Debit to pay your Council Tax it triggered a donation to the charity, which of course has a children’s hospice in Sittingbourne. Last year, the Council supported the national direct debit sign-up campaign which was in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care. This year, each local authority has been able to choose a local charity to support.

As part of the national campaign co-ordinated by BACS, the Council made a donation to Demelza for every new instruction received. Last year, the Council signed up 1,400 households. This year 2,116 households signed up.

Direct Debit Big Break scheme leads to donation for Demelza

Sheppey sign replacedResidents and visitors to the Isle of Sheppey are once again greeted by a “Welcome to Sheppey” sign.

The new sign, situated on the left as you arrive on the island via the Sheppey Crossing, has been funded by contributions from Swale Borough Council and County Councillors Ken Pugh and Adrian Crowther from their KCC Members Highway Grants.

News

Rushenden Retrofit Project awardedSwale Borough Council and AmicusHorizon took fi rst place in the ‘Excellence in Energy Effi ciency’ category of the 2012 Kent Housing Group Excellence Awards.

The Rushenden Retrofi t Project is an innovative new approach to regeneration and the environment, working with local residents in Rushenden, to make their homes more energy effi cient.

At a time when fuel poverty is being highlighted, the project aims to reduce household fuel bills and C02 emissions.

Swale Borough Council were directly responsible for Phase One of the programme to 65 private homes, achieving savings of around 10,000 carbon tonnes.The measures include: external and cavity wall insulation; double glazing; solar panels; loft insulation; draught proofi ng and central heating.

26 Inside Swale

www.swale.gov.uk Have your say – help shape Swalewww.swale.gov.uk/LEFww

Sports, Physical Activities and Cultural Taster dayHaving a Taster Day before the Torch made its way through Faversham was a great way to put the new Sports and Physical Activity Framework into action, and to help get everyone excited about the sports offer in and around Swale. Activities included kite fl ying, hockey, a rock climbing wall, an infl atable football pitch, the Kent Cultural Baton, SFM Community Radio Road Show and much more. Hopefully many will carry on with the new activities that they enjoyed on the day.

Torch Relay in FavershamHere in Swale we were lucky enough for the rain to have stopped by the time the Olympic Torch made its way through Faversham. Around 28,000 spectators came along to make the most of the once in a lifetime opportunity by lining the streets.

A big thank you is owed to all those who volunteered their time on Thursday 19 July to become a marshal for the Olympic Torch Relay. You really did the borough proud, by not only stepping up and taking part, but also for all your hard work on the day.

News


Inside Swale 27


28 Inside Swale

FACES of Kent (Families Affected by Caring Empowerment Services)

Aims to reduce the stress and stigma caused as a result of the caring role for unpaid Family Carers and in the case of Young Carers, to restore lost childhood.

We offer a FREE and CONFIDENTIAL service includingInformation, Advice, Guidance, Advocacy and Short Break Opportunities

Adult Carer Support - An adult caring for another adultAlzheimer & Dementia Support

Older Carer (aged 60+) of Person with Learning DifficultiesParent Carer Support - supporting parents of children with additional needs

Mindset - for Carers of people with Mental Health ProblemsYoung Carers Support - aged 5-18 years that are helping to care for someone

Carers Health Promotion - Promoting healthy lifestyles and well being for the CarerKent Carers Emergency Card

For further details on the above and how we can support you please contact us:

www.facesofkent.org.uk

Carers are People First

0300 7777 247Registered Charity No 1145904 Company Ltd by Guarantee No 05654506FREEPHONE

VOLUNTEERSURGENTLY NEEDED

We are looking for passionate people to help us run our centre and support the

local community.Some computer knowledge would be ideal, but not essential as full training is provided.

If you are retired or between jobs, please pop in or give us a call today

Tel: 01795 439994Aff ordable Computer Services

45a High StreetSittingbourne

KentME10 4AW

Registered Charity 1145348

www.Aff ordableComputerServices.org.uk


Inside Swale 29News

Residents at Newnham have long wished for a bus to Faversham as, apart from the School Bus morning and afternoon to and from Faversham, the regular bus service only goes through to Sittingbourne. The Parish Council sent questionnaires out to the residents via the local village newsletter and the result was a fi rm request for a shopper service to Faversham, with replies also coming from the neighbouring village of Doddington.

With the help of Swale Borough Council Leader and County Councillor Andrew Bowles talks with Chalkwell Bus Company were started. It was subsequently agreed that a trial run for one day a week could be set up. This will start on 21 August for six months, running every Tuesday (excluding Christmas Day and New Year’s Day). This will mean Doddington and Newnham families can now easily shop at their nearest town using specialist local stores and supermarkets, visit friends, use the library, swimming pool

and other local amenities including the Tuesday market in the Town Centre.

Although this is a success story, the continuation of this route is very much reliant on passenger use, the phrase “use it or lose it” is a reality in this instance. The trial has been funded by Kent County Council and County Councillor Bowles has stated in a recent interview in the Faversham Times: “If enough people use it, we (KCC) might be able to put it on as a self-funding venture, or it may be we decide to subsidise it permanently”. So it is sincerely hoped that this trial route will end up being a permanent success.

New Floodgates installedA new fl oodgate has been installed at the bottom of The Promenade, Leysdown, to provide easier access to the beach for pedestrians, those with pushchairs and walking diffi culties. The fl oodgate replaces the fl ood boards which were previously installed and, rather than lifting the boards for access, there is now a convenient gate opening system. The cost of £5,600 for the new fl oodgate was paid for by Queenborough Fisheries Trust, Leysdown Events Organisation and Warden Parish Council.


30 Inside Swale Your Councillors

AbbeyBryan Mulhern01795 538 [email protected]

Anita Walker01795 531 [email protected]

BordenNicholas Hampshire01795 477 560 (eve) or 07739 [email protected]

Boughton & CourtenayGeorge Bobbin01227 751 [email protected] Bowles01227 752 840 or 07778 [email protected]

ChalkwellRoger Truelove01795 425 [email protected] Whelan01795 475 [email protected]

Davington PrioryMike Henderson01795 534 368 or 07900 265 [email protected]

East DownsColin Prescott01795 590 [email protected]

GroveDuncan Dewar-Whalley07889 808 [email protected] Randall01795 474 [email protected]

Hartlip, Newington & UpchurchGerry Lewin01634 366 [email protected]

John Wright01795 842 [email protected]

Iwade & Lower Halstow

Ben Stokes01795 476 979

KemsleySue Gent01795 553 [email protected] Whiting01795 842 [email protected]

Leysdown & WardenPatricia Sandle01795 510 [email protected]

Milton RegisAdam Tolhurst01795 475 [email protected] Winckless01795 425 [email protected]

Minster CliffsAndy Booth07912 464213 or 07824 556 [email protected] Crowther01795 874 [email protected] Pugh01795 871 [email protected]

MurstonEd Gent07955 111 [email protected]

Conservative Labour Independent Group


Inside Swale 31

Nick Williams01795 479 [email protected]

Queenborough & Halfway

Jackie Constable01795 665 238

Mick Constable01795 665 238

Peter Marchington01795 661 960 (eve) or 07767 607 [email protected]

RomanMike Haywood07960 173 [email protected] McCusker07403 006 [email protected]

Sheerness EastMark Ellen01795 667 [email protected] Sargent01795 664 [email protected]

Sheerness WestAngela Harrison01795 665 [email protected]

Stephen Worrall01795 665 589

Sheppey CentralLesley Ingham01795 881 123 or 07714 445 [email protected] Garrad01795 227 [email protected]

John Morris01795 881 [email protected]

St Ann’sMike Cosgrove01795 591 [email protected] Coulter01795 539 [email protected]

St Michael’sDerek Conway01795 424 865 or 07789 072 [email protected]

Sylvia Bennett01795 476 979

Teynham & LynstedRichard Barnicott01795 536 [email protected] Bowen01795 522 [email protected]

WatlingDavid Simmons01795 532 [email protected] Wilcox01795 533 [email protected]

West DownsMonique Bonney07973 [email protected]

WoodstockAlan Willicombe01795 439 [email protected] Willicombe01795 439 [email protected]