inside swale summer 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] Summer 2012

Keeping you in touch with your council services

Olympic Torch Relay comes to FavershamThursday 19 July 2012 Commemorative 4 page pull-out

Also in this issueTransformation of Sittingbourne beginsSmall electrical kerbside collectionsWinning the war against flytipping

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

2 Inside Swale

Inside Swale 3

The LeaderHello, and welcome to June’s issue of Inside Swale, Swale Borough Council’s residents magazine. With the Olympic torch making its way

around the country, Faversham will be in the spotlight when it makes its way through Swale. Not only is there the main event of the relay through the streets but, as you can see from your Olympic Pull out Guide, there will also be a sports and cultural taster day.This is a fantastic opportunity to welcome the torch on its home stretch to London. As well as coming along and lining the streets to see the procession unfold, you can also still become a marshal to help the day run smoothly.From this edition you will also be able to see the details about the new small waste electrical and electronic equipment collections that are being introduced. This is a great opportunity to increase the amount that Swale recycles and reduce the amount that is sent to landfi ll.You will also fi nd a questionnaire about the improvements that have been made to the Swale Borough Council website. We are always trying to improve and your feedback is important to us.Andrew Bowles Leader

Front cover: Putting the fi rst spade in the ground at the Mill Site is Cllr Andrew Bowles, centre, with from left to right, David Darbyshire of Morrisons, Gordon Henderson MP, Cllr Roger Truelove and Cllr Derek Conway.

ContentsNews .................................................... 4 & 5Regeneration News .............................. 6 & 7New website questionnaire ........................9Voter Registration Form ............................10Police and Crime Commissioners .............11Small electrical kerbside collections ..........13Olympic Torch Relay pull-out ............ 15 - 18Beats + Breathes ......................................20Rushenden Retrofit ....................................21News from Medway Maritime ......... 22 & 23Winning the war against flytipping .............24Queenborough Harbour Moorings ...........26Around 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

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

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 Media Offi cer: Rebecca Dart on 01795 417153 or email [email protected]

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4 Inside Swale News

Beach huts could be coming back to the Isle of Sheppey if an idea being explored by the council proves popular.

There have been beach huts on the Isle of Sheppey in the past. Do you remember them, or perhaps have happy memories of your beach hut?

Share your photographs and views with Jon Reason, Swale Borough Council’s Landscape Offi cer, phone 01795 417 521 or email [email protected]

Cllr John Wright, Cabinet Member for Regeneration said: “Beach huts are a traditional feature of seaside resorts and we believe that they could prove to be valuable in supporting tourism on the island as well as being useful and enjoyable for local people”.

Pulse Café The community café, Pulse, is really gaining ground.

Not only has the Skillnet run café recently been donated two allotment plots for them to grow their own fruit and veg, but they have also been shortlisted for a national award.

Pulse is up against four other organisations, with a chance to win the Biffa Award prize of £2,000. The café received nearly £35,000 in funding from Biffa Award to create the new community place, which now has the ability to grow their own produce.

The new allotments, donated by Amicus Horizon, were once a fl y tipping ground. The fi rm, who employs people from disadvantaged groups, including those with learning diffi culties, hopes to be able to grow fruits and vegetables to be used and served in the café.

Pulse Café is open Monday to Friday 9.30-3.30 at the old Labour Hall in Park Road.

Residents of Swale made the most the Council’s offer to help in co-ordinating events to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Schools, social clubs and societies were just a few of the organisations around the borough who organised a number of events including street parties, fetes and open days.

As well as parties and celebrations, beacons were lit across Swale as part of the 2012 beacons lit across the whole of the UK.

Beach Huts

Diamond Jubilee

Jubilee party in Rodmersham toasting the Queen. Photo courtesy of Paul Jerreat www.kentnews.co.uk


Inside Swale 5

Swale’s Leisure Centres are rated ‘Good’ by QuestSwallows Leisure Centre in Sittingbourne and Sheppey Leisure Complex in Sheerness have been awarded the Quest mark once again for continuous improvement and good practice. Quest is the UK quality scheme for the sport and leisure industry, covering a number of key areas, including health and safety, systems and standards, cleanliness, environmental management, customer relations, and service development.

Olympic Gold and Silver medallist Darren Campbell, the fi rst Quest Ambassador, said: “I would like to congratulate both Swallows Leisure Centre and Sheppey Leisure Complex on winning this Quest award. I strongly

believe that the whole community should have accessible, affordable and high quality sport and leisure facilities on their doorstep. In working hard to continuously improve their offering, Swale Community Leisure Limited is doing its bit to encourage and inspire people to get more active.”Councillor John Wright, Swale Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “I am delighted to hear the news. The manager, James Reynolds, and his team, along with the Swale Recreational Trust, deserve a lot of credit for the improvements made the Swallows and the Healthy Living Centre. They have prioritised customers and have concentrated on being as effi cient as possible to improve the leisure on offer in Swale.“Users of both sites should be particularly pleased with the results because it shows that they are identifying and meeting customers’ needs and are continually making improvements.”

Swale’s legal team gain Lexcel accreditationThe legal services team have been working towards Lexcel 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. The assessment is carried out by an independent assessor to ensure that the required standards of excellence are met.

Many applicants who do gain accreditation do so with points of non-compliance that are required to be addressed. To gain a straight forward accreditation with no points of non-compliance is something that the council is very proud of.

Councillor Duncan Dewar-Whalley, Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “I am really pleased to see the hard work of the team recognised in this way. To be Lexcel accredited by the Law Society is an achievement in itself and underlines the quality of the legal service provided to the Council.”

Quest mark for our leisure centres


6 Inside Swale Open for Business

Minister’s visit to discuss town centre’s futureThames Gateway Minister, Bob Neill, visited Sittingbourne for a working lunch at the beginning of May to discuss some of the issues affecting the borough. The MP met Swale Borough Councils Leader, Cllr Andrew Bowles, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Cllr John Wright, Swale Borough Council’s chief executive Abdool Kara, the council’s Director of Regeneration, Pete Raine, and MP Gordon Henderson.

Mr Neill walked from Swale House through Sittingbourne Town Centre with the senior offi cers and councillors making a stop at the Forum Car Park where there are exciting plans for a cultural quarter, to house a cinema and a performance area.

Councillor Andrew Bowles said: “I am really pleased that the Minister has come to Sittingbourne to acknowledge the exciting plans for regeneration projects in Sheppey and Sittingbourne. I hope that we can welcome him back in to show the transformation and difference it has made to the lives of residents and the retail spend in the borough.”

Regeneration update, watch this space… The regeneration of Sittingbourne is at a very advanced planning stage. We are currently in the stages of concluding agreements with Spirit of Sittingbourne.

Once this has been done, they can then prepare development plans for the town. Keep an eye out as a public consultation will begin, and you can see and have your say about what they have planned to regenerate the town.

From solid foundationsThe transformation of Sittingbourne began with the turning of the soil at the site of what will be the new Morrisons.

The day saw Leader of Swale Borough Council, along with Scott Hammond of Essential Land and David Darbyshire of Morrisons putting the fi rst spade in the ground of the Mill site.

Councillor Andrew Bowles, Leader of Swale Borough Council, said: “Sittingbourne has been crying out for regeneration and I am proud to be leading the borough through this exciting time. We are already benefi tting from the regeneration at Milton Creek Country Park and very close to signing a development agreement with the Spirit of Sittingbourne

Consortium, which will trigger the physical regeneration of the town centre.”Artists impression of the Morrisons supermarket.


Inside Swale 7

Vestas UpdateThe planning stage is underway for the Vestas wind turbine manufacturing facility at the port of Sheerness on the Isle of Sheppey.

Applications were reported to the Planning Committee on Thursday 24 May, with a recommendation that Members’ resolve that approval should be given.

Councillors approved the application though with an amendment to delegate to offi cers to permit or refuse the application subject to further discussions with the applicant regarding employment targets.

What is proposed would be one of the largest manufacturing facilities of its type in Europe. It is anticipated that, if approved, when fully operational the facility could create around 1,600 new jobs directly in the local and wider area, and more indirectly.

Although the wet weather may not be agreeable to everyone, it’s been very welcome in the park. Due to the dry weather last year a lot of the tree planting failed. But this year the planting looks green and lush. The animals are also enjoying the wet weather, with Marsh Frogs noisily seeking mates and good counts of Great Crested Newt and Slow Worm reported by the site monitoring ecologists. Make the most of the bird breeding season and listen out for the bird song, including the liquid notes of cetti’s warbler and the cascading song of the humble wren among many more. Being an Olympic year the gold medal goes to the nightingales for their remarkably loud and fl utey singing! Early wild fl owers are also notable and have been attracting numerous species of bumblebee and butterfl y. There will be plenty of volunteering opportunities for people from the local community with a regularly updated programme available to view on the Milton Creek Trust/Friends of Milton Creek website www.miltoncreek.co.uk, and on the Friends of Milton Creek Facebook page which can also be used to share wildlife sightings with other viewers. For more information or to register an interest please email the Milton Creek Ranger, [email protected]

Inside Sw

Spring has arrived in Milton Creek Country Park!

8 Inside Swale


Walking is something that most of us do every day, but have you ever thought about walking for pleasure? Not only can it make you feel energised, it is also good for your health.

In Swale, there are plenty of free regular walks, run by East Kent HealthWalks, and you can take part in them as regularly as you want. The walks range from easy to more challenging.

There is no end to the benefits that walking can bring: it can make you feel good, give you more energy, reduce stress and help you sleep better, keep your heart strong and reduce blood pressure and help you manage your weight.

The walks are led by volunteers and take in the local landscape. There is no need to book, you can simply turn up, and most HealthWalks finish with a chat and refreshments.

NHS HealthWalks Co-ordinator Julia Wells said: “Walking is a great way to exercise and socialise. We are always looking for more volunteers to help lead the walks, so if you think you would like to do this, please get in touch – if you want to take part or volunteer.’’

Annie Hunter, from Murston, near Sittingbourne had a heart attack in 2001. As part of her rehabilitation she attended a gym in Woolwich, London, where she lived, but when she moved to Murston she found it harder to socialise.

HealthWalks have helped Annie make friends, improve her knowledge of the local area and become healthier.

For more information, including to volunteer to set up a new HealthWalk in Teynham, see www.doverdistrictvolunteering.org.uk/healthwalks phone 01304 367917 or 0800 8494000 or email [email protected]

Come Walking!

Inside Swale 9


250 people are detectingand fixing water leaks

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

www.swale.gov.uk

10 Inside Swale

Voter Registration FormPlease keep an eye out for the voter registration form which will be delivered to you at the end of June 2012, which is much earlier than usual.

You are asked to respond each year, to ensure that your name is on the electoral register so that you will be able to vote. There will be Police and Crime Commissioner elections on 15 November 2012 and Kent County Council elections on 2 May 2013.

It may also help you with credit reference checks, for example when you apply for a bank account or a mobile phone contract.

How do I respond?If there are no changes to your details, then there are three quick and simple ways to respond, as set out on the form: • Freephone telephone number • Internet • Text (please note that standard network rate will apply for texts)

If you respond using the above, then there is no need to return your paper form.

If there are changes to make to the details on the form, please amend it and return it using the pre-paid envelope (no need for a stamp).

All of these methods give you the option to ‘opt out’ of the edited version of the register, which is the version that anyone can buy (see below).

What does ‘Opt out’ mean?The back of the voter registration form explains the two versions of the electoral register and you can decide whether you wish to appear on the edited version of the register which is the version that can be sold to anyone. You are asked this question each year, although you can now write to the Electoral Registration Offi cer at Swale Borough Council and ask for a permanent opt out.

Why am I being asked for this information now?We are collecting this information now, because this year we are required to publish the register earlier than usual, on the 16 October 2012. This is due to the elections taking place for Police and Crime Commissioners on 15 November 2012 (see article on Police and Crime Commissioners opposite).

Why should I respond promptly?The quicker that you can respond the better as we are required to send out reminders and carry out house visits to those who do not respond promptly. Thank you to the 62% of you who responded promptly last year before the fi rst reminder!

It’s your vote, don’t lose it!

Inside Swale 11


Police and Crime CommissionersOn 15 November 2012, for the fi rst time ever, the public across England and Wales will elect a Police and Crime Commissioner who will be accountable for how crime is tackled in their police force areas.Police and crime commissioners (PCCs) will aim to cut crime and deliver an effective and effi cient police service within their force area.To provide stronger and more transparent accountability of the police, PCCs will be elected by the public to hold chief constables and the force to account so making the police answerable to the communities they serve.Police and crime commissioners will ensure community needs are met as effectively as possible, and will improve local relationships through building confi dence and restoring trust. They will also work in partnership across a range of agencies at local and national level to ensure there is a unifi ed approach to preventing and reducing crime.PCCs will not be expected to run the police. The role of the PCC is to be the voice of the people and hold the police to account. Voting in the fi rst Police and Crime Commissioners elections

Elections will take place on 15 November 2012 to elect a Police and Crime Commissioner for each police force area in England and Wales outside London.Everyone registered to vote in the police force area will be able to vote, including British, EU and Commonwealth citizens living in the UK.To ensure that you can vote in these elections, please respond when you receive your electoral registration form! If you would like to apply to vote by post or proxy at this election then you need to complete an application form. Call 01795 417 850 or you can download an application form from www.aboutmyvote.co.ukMore information about the PCC elections can be viewed on the Home Offi ce Website http://www.homeoffi ce.gov.uk/police/police-crime-commissioners/

Embracing Localism

Appointment of an Independent PersonSwale Borough Council is looking to recruit an Independent Person on a voluntary basis to assist with the annual review of the member allowances scheme – are you interested? If so, please look at our website (http://jobs.swale.gov.uk) or contact us on 01795 417 360 for full details. Please note that if you are currently a borough or a parish councillor or have been in the last fi ve years, or a relative or close friend to one, or an offi cer of the Council then you cannot apply.

Closing date: 27 July 2012


12 Inside Swale

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Swale Borough Council, municipal services contractor Biffa, and Transform the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) compliance scheme, together are launching an innovative new service to residents of Swale for the collection of small waste electrical and electronic equipment and batteries.

Biffa has provided Swale’s waste and recycling collection service since 2006 and believe that, as part of a combined effort, that adding this service to its kerbside collections will help boost recycling.

Swale Borough Council, with Biffa’s support, applied for the funding from the Distributor Take-back Scheme, Local Project Fund, to increase separately-collected domestic WEEE for reuse and recycling, securing a grant of £29,000 in August 2011.

Swale’s initiative meets the objective of working in partnership with stakeholders to promote sustainable waste and resources management.

Swale, together with Biffa Municipal, Woking, and Surrey Heath Borough Councils, then shared ideas and implementation plans.

Designed to make WEEE recycling as easy as possible for residents, the service requires no additional resources. Importantly, at a time of budget squeezes, the service will be cost-neutral for the council as Biffa assume all the fi nancial risk.

Caged compartments fi tted to the underside of each collection vehicle will allow WEEE items to be stored separately from other waste.Residents can begin putting out small waste electrical and electronic equipment and household batteries from 25 June 2012. Please place them in carrier bags alongside your wheeley bins (blue or green) on your normal collection days.Once collected and bulked in Swale, the WEEE items will be taken to MDJ Light Brothers’ site in Aylesford where items will be manually sorted to remove any batteries, shredded to reduce volume, and mechanically separated into their components. Any metals will be taken for reuse, while the mixed grade plastic will be recycled to make items such as street furniture.

It’s anticipated that residents will respond positively to the new scheme which will include the collection of used household batteries as well as small electrical items such as hair dryers, toasters, toys, drills etc.The new scheme will contribute towards Swale Borough Council’s improvement of its 32% recycling rate as (at March 2012).

Small electrical kerbside collections

Healthy Environment Inside Swale 13

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The Centre offers: A large hall with fl at and banked seating for over 300 Banquet/party seating for up to 200 guests Licensed bar run by professionals Large, fully equipped kitchen Separate lounge Large car park Suite of training rooms Youth and community activity rooms Large, fenced garden Full disabled access A café for tea, coffee and lunches on weekdays

Where we areWest Faversham Community Centre, Bysing Wood Road, Faversham ME13 7RH (opposite the new Sainsbury’s)W westfavershamca.org [email protected] 01795 537321

West Faversham Community Association: Registered Charity 1139228; Registered in England and Wales No. 7296070

The newWest Faversham Community Centre

All the facilities you need for your wedding, civil partnership ceremony, anniversary party or family celebration.

Ideal for companies and organisations for training courses, offsite meetings, presentation evenings and staff Christmas parties. Space for client consultations and shared office facilities.

One of the best training and events venues in Kent

It’s our moment to shine!The Olympic Torch Relay comes to FavershamThursday 19 July 2012

Come along and bring the streets of Faversham to life with colour, activity and extend a warm welcome to the Olympic Flame as Torch Bearers run through the Town between 4.52pm and 5.40pm on Day 62 of the Olympic Torch Relay.This is a once in a life time opportunity to show the world the pride of Faversham by embracing and taking part in this special event.

Why not make your own fancy dress with a fl ame theme, make a crown, decorate an old hat, paint your face gold with face paints, there is so much you can do!

The London 2012 Organising Committee of the Olympic Games is encouraging individuals and local organisations to arrange celebratory activities through the ‘Local Leader’ participation programme and provides ideas and further information of how you can still get involved at: www.london2012.com/join-in/index.html

Why not make a day of it in Historic Faversham and enjoy the wide range of shops and places to eat and drink. Information on what you can see and do in Faversham can be found in advance online at www.faversham.org or www.visit.swale.gov.uk

The Faversham Tourist Information Centre is located in the Fleur de Lis Heritage Centre in Preston Street, Faversham. It is open seven days a week, 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 1pm on Sundays.Tel: 01795 534 542 Email: [email protected] Photos courtesy of London 2012

16 Olympic Torch Relay

Area allocatedfor schools

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Each zone has an allocatedFirst Aid kit. Contact your Steward

The Olympic Flame Torch Route

The Olympic Flame will arrive from Canterbury at Love Lane where the fi rst Torch Bearer will be ready to start to carry the Torch through Faversham at an expected time of 4.52pm. The fl ame leaves Faversham from the A251 outside the Fire Station at 5.40pm. (Please note that the relay is a live event and all timings remain approximate.)

The Torch Relay will travel through Faversham in two parts, an ‘Activation Convoy’ featuring promotional vehicles from the offi cial ‘Presenting Partners’ Coca Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung will arrive up to 10 minutes before the ‘Torch Bearers and The Flame Convoy’.Spectators are encouraged to watch the Torch Relay on the left hand side of the road as most of the route through Faversham will still be open to oncoming traffi c. This will help reduce disruption and reduce the potential of your view being spoilt by a passing bus or lorry.If the Torch Relay runs to schedule, Faversham will also provide the location for a ‘time adjustment break’, which will see the Olympic Flame taking up to a 20 minute break on part of the route through Faversham.

17Please note that a long stretch of pavement and park fronting Whitstable Road at the bottom of Faversham Recreation Ground will be reserved by Event Marshals and Faversham Army Cadets for the safe viewing of the Torch Relay by School Groups who have already registered with the Event Organisers. Individuals and families are encouraged to explore the whole length of the 3.3km route through Faversham for the best place to safely view the Olympic Flame.

Convoy split in FavershamThe Activation Convoy and support vehicles attached to the Flame Convoy will travel along Whitstable Road into East Street and then turn left up Newton Road and right into Station Road, while the Torch Bearer runs across the junction and then up the length of Preston Street, rejoining the convoy at the top before turning right into Forbes Road.

Road closuresThe road closures will be in force from 3pm when the gate will be closed in Court Street. The road will also be closed in Stone Street at its junction with Bank Street and at Preston Street at its junction with Station Road. The road closures will be in force until 7pm. Barriers may be removed earlier at the discretion of the Head Steward and Event Control subject to the dispersal of the crowds.

Sports, Physical and Cultural Activities Taster DayFrom 10am until 4pm Faversham Recreation Ground will be a hive of activity. Swale Borough Council’s Sports Development Team will be hosting a ‘Come and Try It’ Taster Day giving the whole family the chance to try out a range of new and exciting sporting and cultural activities.

Some of the planned activities include a 24 ft high rock climbing wall, English Cricket Board’s Roadshow, Charlton Athletic’s infl atable football pitch, Kent Angling & Training Academy, Medway Dragons and London Broncos Rugby League Clubs, Faversham Rugby Union Club, ROOM the popular art space, The Kent Cultural Baton, Kent Kite Flyers, Old Bordenians Hockey Club, SFM Community Radio Roadshow, Litter Angels and much,much more.*

* Events on the day may be subject to change Photo courtesy of London 2012

18 Olympic Torch Relay

Where to parkVisitors to Faversham are encouraged to use public transport where possible to reduce possible congestion in the area as Faversham Railway Station is very close to the Torch Route.

Additional FREE parking for those attending the Faversham Recreation Ground and Torch Relay events has been provided by Swale Borough Council at Abbey School on the London Road, postcode ME13 8RZ for satnav users. This parking facility will be available from 8am – 8pm and will be managed by the Sheppey Event Marshalling Unit.

On the route parking bays in East Street, and Preston Street will be temporarily suspended and the barrier will be closed at the Court Street/Crescent Road junction at 3pm.

Other existing Swale Borough Council car parks will operate as usual for shoppers and disabled visitors.

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Toilets

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Torch RelayCar parking

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Photo courtesy of London 2012

Swale Borough Council contact details:Sports, Physical and Cultural Activity Taster Day contact: James Thatcher 01795 417 109

Torch Relay contact: Martin Goodhew – 01795 417 399

Further updated information and contact details can be found at www.swale.gov.uk/london2012/

Swale Borough Council extends a big thank you to all the volunteers, residents and businesses who are working with the Council to make the most of ‘our moment to shine’!


Inside Swale 19


20 Inside SwaleA LIFE-SAVING campaign has been launched by the NHS and Swale Council to cut the number of premature deaths from heart and lung disease.

The Sittingbourne and Sheppey Beats and Breathes campaign aims to raise awareness of Cardiovascular Disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the lifestyle

changes people can take to protect themselves.

These killer diseases claimed the lives of 321 people in the two towns last year.

Dr Uchenna Ota, a GP at St George’s Medical Practice in Sheerness said: “This campaign is about empowering people to take control of their health and helping them to make simple changes that can reduce their risks of developing cardiovascular disease and COPD.

“It is also about making sure that people with these diseases are on the right medication and have the right support

to be able to manage their health effectively and improve their quality of life.”

A health squad armed with blood pressure monitors, scales and cholesterol and lung function testing kits, hit the streets earlier this year to offer a free ‘while you wait’ health MOT. More than 80 people took part in the checks at The Forum Shopping Centre in Sittingbourne and Sheerness Gateway and received a green, amber or red status for their readings, with Dr Ota and NHS Health Trainers on hand to offer advice and support.

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Many people enlisted the help of the NHS Stop Smoking Service and also Kent Community Health NHS Trust’s Health Trainers, who offer six free sessions of tailored support to help you towards your goal, whether it’s getting fi tter, eating healthier or losing weight.

Make a pledgeWant help to get fi t, lose weight, quit smoking? Call our Health Trainers on 0800 849 4000 or email [email protected]. Or the Stop Smoking Service on 0800 849 4444.For more information visit www.easternandcoastalkent.nhs.uk/beatsandbreathes

Embracing Localism

Inside Swale 21


Staying Put’s Living In Safety Event planned for 28 SeptemberThe annual Living in Safety Event held by Swale Borough Council’s Staying Put Team will be held at the Sheppey Health Living Centre from 10am until 1pm. It offers advice on living a safe, independent and health life. Last year’s event was a great success with an estimates 350 people coming to see the 43 different organisations that were represented.

More than fi fty people from 28 different organisations were present on Wednesday 18 April in Rushenden, Isle of Sheppey to see the Retrofi t Project.

The project is a completely new approach to regeneration and the environment. By working with local residents it helps ensure their homes are more energy effi cient through providing a series of energy-saving measures. Rushenden Retrofi t is a partnership project between Swale Borough Council, Amicus Horizon Housing Association, the Homes and Communities Agency, Institute for Sustainability (IfS), The Institute for Sustainability on Innovation for Renewal (IFORE), and the University of Brighton, and is the fi rst of its kind in England to cover private and social homes of various construction.

The project aims to achieve a minimum of 40% carbon savings and associated savings on residents’ fuel bills, to private and social homes in one of Swale’s most deprived communities. Swale Borough Council is directly responsible for Phase One of the programme, delivering retrofi t measures to

65 private homes including external wall insulation, double glazing, solar panels and central heating. This phase is funded through a grant from the Regional Housing Board and the Government’s Community Energy Saving Programme.

One of the most important components of the project is community engagement. Amicus Horizon is delivering Phase Two of the project, which it is funding with IFORE. Councillor John Wright, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “I believe that it is a real honour for Swale to have the opportunity to make this project work here fi rst. It is a clear indication of our commitment as a Borough Council to working in partnership with both the public and private sector and develop a legacy for skills and training in new green initiatives and technologies. I am delighted by the level of interest in the Retrofi t.”

A scheme of national importance


22 Inside Swale News from Medway Maritime Hospital

Nurses at Medway Maritime Hospital have scooped a national award for their hard work which has seen pressure sore rates fall dramatically. The hospital’s dedicated tissue viability nurses – Tarnia Harrison and Hayley Murray – have won the British Journal of Nursing’s award for pressure ulcer care. Tarnia and Hayley have led the Trust in reducing pressure sores by 28 percent in 2011/12 and by 39 percent in the last two years.Pressure ulcers develop when a patient stays in the same position for too long – the more poorly a patient is the less they move or readjust themselves in bed. This means the fl ow of blood to points of the body which have most contact with the mattress, such as the bottom or heels, becomes restricted. The skin then starts to break down and a sore or ulcer forms. Tarnia Harrison said: “We’re so thrilled to have our work recognised in this way; it shows how seriously we take pressure sores. Over the last fi ve years a lot of work has taken place to reduce sores. We actively check patients on admission to see how at risk they are so we can take precautions. For example, we use special air mattresses for high-risk patients to relieve the pressure on the skin. “Mattresses in the emergency department and theatres have also

been changed and, when possible, high-risk patients are turned during surgery so they’re not kept in the same position. Everyone across the Trust has got on board with this.”

Tarnia and Hayley also carry out unannounced ward spot checks to make sure patients are being risk-assessed daily and to speak to the patients themselves to see if there is anything more they’d like nurses to do for them.

Hayley Murray added: “The whole Trust has been really supportive of this work – everyone from the director of nursing to registered nurses and clinical support workers. Everyone has made it a high priority so that we can achieve better outcomes for the patients in our care.

“This award is a real honour, but our greatest prize is knowing that the work we’ve done over the last two years is making a big difference to our patients.”

Nurses win national award for pressure ulcer care

Tarnia Harrison and Hayley Murray


Inside Swale 23

Bringing choice to children and young people with cancer in MedwayYoung people from across Medway are now being given a choice about where they receive treatment for cancer. Medway NHS Foundation Trust has been approved by the South Thames Children, Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Network as a centre for the shared care and support of teenagers and young adults with cancer.

Lynn Leighton, Children’s Oncology Nurse, explained: “Shared care means Medway Maritime Hospital now shares the care and treatment of young people with cancer with the nearest age-appropriate centre (the Royal Marsden Teenage Cancer Trust Ward).

“Most children’s units stop treating children once they reach the age of 16, when they would then automatically be treated locally on an adult ward. But shared care enables young people in Medway between the ages of 16 and 24 to choose where they want to be treated – at the nearest age-appropriate centre or locally as an adult.

“Shared care gives young people choice about the environment they want to be treated in. Not only does this ensure they are comfortable in their surroundings at what is an upsetting time for them, but it gives them a sense of control over what is happening to them.

“This approval by the South Thames Children, Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Network demonstrates our commitment to improving the experience of young people with cancer across the Medway Towns.”

Macmillan Unit receives national quality kite markThe Macmillan Cancer Care Unit at Medway Maritime Hospital has received national recognition for its quality of care. Medway’s Macmillan Cancer Care Unit achieved an overall score of 5/5.The Macmillan Quality Environment Mark, a national standard kite mark for cancer facilities, is the fi rst of its kind in the UK and assesses units on fi ve core quality principles – accessibility; privacy and dignity; comfort and well being; choice and control; and support.

Alison Griffi ths, Macmillan Head of Nursing/Matron – Cancer, explained: “The assessors also looked at how the unit applied the fi ve core principles of quality across four different domains – design and use of space; the patients’ journey; service experience; and the patients’ voice. The Unit received very positive feedback.“All staff on the Unit are delighted to have received this recognition. The Quality Mark reinforces the message that patients can expect to receive excellent quality care when they come to the Macmillan Cancer Care Unit at Medway.”


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Healthy Environment24 Inside Swale

Swale Borough Council has successfully reduced fl ytipping for the fourth year in a row. Careful monitoring of the borough shows that 98% of streets in Swale are acceptably clear of litter. This is a great platform on which to build, continuing the work that residents demand, to keep Swale clean and green for everyone.

In January we told you how fi gures released by DEFRA (The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) showed that Swale Borough Council is the most successful Council in Kent for obtaining prosecutions for

fl ytipping offences. The fi gures show that in the fi nancial year 2010/11, we obtained 12 prosecutions.This reduction is a team effort between the Council’s employees, its partners,who share our commitment, the public, who do the right thing – taking responsibility for their waste and also the media, who kindly back our campaigns to keep streets litter free by publicising the work of the council offi cers and wardens, and the prosecutions obtained.Since 2008/09 we have reduced fl y tipping by over 50% in Swale, including reducing the amount of fl ytipping in Swale by 15% in the last fi nancial year alone.

Swale Borough Council ensure that its Environment Offi cers are ENCAMS (part of Keep Britain tidy) trained, so that they can provide an authoritative picture of the street cleaning standards within Swale. Councillor David Simmons, Swale Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment said: “We are delighted that these fi gures show us that we are making progress with the issues that matter most to Swale residents. Residents tell us that fl ytipping and litter annoy them and so we try to target our limited resources at these issues. The new Environment Warden team will be working hard to keep the level of education and enforcement high among residents. A 50% reduction in fl ytipping in just three years is a remarkable achievement and one that we should celebrate.“However, we could not do this on our own. Residents act as our eyes and ears and alert us to incidences of fl ytipping, which helps us greatly. The public recognise that this is their Swale and between us we are winning the war against fl ytipping.”Members of the public can call and register their concerns about a road or area that they feel is not being maintained to an acceptable standard. This helps us to maintain our standards and focus on the areas that particularly need our help.If you have a litter problem to report please call 01795 417 850 where your complaint will be logged. You can also report litter and fl ytipping via our Do It Online section that is accessed via the home page of our website at www.swalegov.uk

Winning the war against flytipping

We have reduced flytipping by over 50%


Inside Swale 25

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

01795 583440Registered Charity No 1145904 Company Ltd by Guarantee No 05654506

‘‘Mike enjoys a good game of chess.We care about that.

‘‘

Newington Court Care HomeKeycol Hill, Newington,

Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9 7LGTel: 01795 843 033

www.barchester.com

Our care services include:24-hour nursing care

Dementia care in our ‘Memory Lane Community’

Respite care and short breaks


26 Inside Swale Embracing Localism

Following a decision made by the Council’s Cabinet on 8 February, the Queenborough Harbour Trust were awarded the permanent transfer of the Queenborough Harbour Mooring Service.

The Queenborough Harbour Trust has now taken over and has been running of the mooring service since 1 April 2012.

The Harbour provides moorings for those who own a vessel and want somewhere to keep it, and there are specifi c moorings for those who want to just stay overnight.

As this is a discretionary service for the Council members decided that it would be more benefi cial for the community for the service to be operated locally by local groups that could apply for funding that the Council is not able to access. It also means that the service will now be run by a dedicated group that can provide a better, community-centred service than the Council was able to.

The Council will assist the new Trust for several months during the hand over period.

Councillor Gerry Lewin, Swale Borough Council’s Deputy Leader, said: “We are

delighted to be able to hand over the reins to the Queenborough Harbour Trust. We fi rmly believe that the service will be better for being run by an organisation that is closer to the community. At the beginning of the tender process we surveyed users of our Harbour Services before we put the service out to tender and the quality of the bids was therefore

aligned closely to the users’ needs.”

Nigel Sherratt, Chairman of Queenborough Harbour Trust, said: “Queenborough Harbour Trust is

delighted to be granted this unique opportunity. We are looking forward to working with the existing harbour team who have extensive experience of working in Queenborough. We intend to continue the relationships built by the Council over many years with the Queenborough community and the harbour users. We have many plans to develop the mooring service to make it more attractive to visitors and local mooring holders and to encourage more people to visit Queenborough.”

Queenborough Harbour moorings

Queenborough Harbour Trust now running the mooring service


Inside Swale 27

How often do you visit the website?Every day Once a week Once a month Less than once a month How did you fi nd out about the website?Through a search engine From a link on another website From a colleague / friend From a Swale Borough Council publication Please list the service information you typically seek on our website. (Please list no more than 4 and rank them, most important as number 1, and so on) 1) 2)3) 4)

What information or services would you like to see available on the website that are not currently available?

Have you ever used our ‘Online Payment’, ‘Application’ or ‘Reporting’ service which is called ‘Do It Online’? Yes No If you answered ‘Yes’, what is the likelihood you would use the service again?Defi nitely Quite likely Unsure Quite unlikely Very unlikely If you answered ‘Quite unlikely’ or ‘Very Unlikely’, why is that?

How easy is it to fi nd your way around our new website? Very easy Quite easy Average Quite diffi cult Very diffi cult

Typically, how quickly did you fi nd the information you were after? Very Quickly Quite Quickly Average Fairly slowly Very slowly or not found Please rate the design of the website? Very Poor Quite poor Average Good Very Good Thinking about the content of the website, on balance do you think the information provided is:Too detailed About right Not detailed enough Would you recommend the website to others?Yes, defi nitely Yes, probably No, unlikely Please make any further comments here or indicate the one thing we could do to improve the website?

Do you know the Council is on Facebook and Twitter? Yes No How often do you use Social Media such as Facebook and Twitter?Never Once a month Once a week Daily Overall how satisfi ed are you with the Council’s online (web) services?Very satisfi ed Slightly unsatisfi ed Neither satisfi ed or unsatisfi ed Fairly satisfi ed Very satisfi ed Thank you for completing this questionnaire. Please post in an enveloped to:Jason Wignall (Communications Manager),Swale Borough Council, Swale House, East Street, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 3HT.

We want to communicate clearly with everyone who lives and works in Swale, providing you with the information you need about our services and those of our partners in the community. We have been listening to customers and recently redesigned our website to offer improved access to our services. If you have used the new council website (which can be found at www.swale.gov.uk) then please take a moment to fi ll out our questionnaire as your views will help us to improve our online services. If you wish you can fi ll in this questionnaire online at: www.swale.gov.uk/web-survey

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28 Inside Swale

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

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Sheerness Golf Club

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

www.ladydanevets.com


Inside Swale 29

Around the Parishes

A Royal visitor to open new West Faversham Community CentreHRH The Duke of Gloucester, KG, GCVO, will perform the offi cial opening of the centre on Tuesday, 10 July. The duke

will go on to visit the Faversham Society, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the Faversham Guildhall and Faversham Sea Cadets.Community association chairman Nigel Kay said: “It will be a great honour to show His Royal Highness and other guests at the offi cial opening what West Faversham Community Association has achieved.”

Faversham Charity Car Show takes place at the Abbey School, London Road Faversham, Kent, on Sunday 12 August, with show gates opening for general public at 10,00 am. Each year the show attracts a wide mix of over 500 classic, vintage, fun cars, bikes and military vehicles. There are also trade stands, car boot area, fun fair, Doctor Who & Star Wars characters, food courts, and event bar. On site amenities include toilets and parking for up to 1,000 cars. Visitors from all around the south east come to the event. This year includes our new entertainment stage, with special performance from ABBA MAGIC.In 2011 the show welcomed over 6,000 visitors, It’s only £2.50 to show off your car, and is open to all types of cars and bikes. It’s an opportunity to display your pride and joy, chat to others with similar interests and give the general public the chance to see some interesting vehicles.Entry is adults £1 and kids under 16 free if accompanied by an adult, with all donations going to Help For Heroes. The show is growing every year with new and exciting attractions.For more information please visit our website: www.favershamcharitycarshow.org

Faversham Charity Car Show

Embracing Localism


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 664 [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]

For full details of all facilities, membershipinformation and to join online, visit:www.swaleleisure.com/swallowsTel: 01795 420420 Terms and conditions apply, all parts of offer subject to change.

Prices shown based on an annual membership.

Swallows Leisure Centre, Central Avenue, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 4NT

atBenefit from: The AS A National Plan for TeachingSwimming S cheme 8 – 12 pupils per class

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SwimmingBenefit from: The AS A National Plan fof r Teachin

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Get in shape with a choice of workout classes, swimming lessonsand gym and swim memberships from only £19.95*

inside swale summer 2012

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