Take a closer look at some of the news stories from the Parish Council this March
To contact the Parish Council please email clerk@headcornpc.org.uk
Parish Council News
Community Liaison Officer's Update
Thirteen sites have been agreed upon to locate the new CCTV cameras. These will be installed over the coming weeks with a hope that the system will be fully operational from early April.
Stuart continues to carry out welfare visits on the vulnerable and elderly, providing food parcels and support where needed.
He has also linked in with Trading Standards, MBC Community Protection and Kent Police carrying out checks on retailers with regards to the sale of illegal vapes. In addition he has worked with Laura Bullen from MBC Community Protection to highlight dog fouling fines using a stencil around the village. (The stencil is non-toxic and will wash away with rain). There have also been ongoing matters relating to Community Protection Notices and fines relating to anti-social behaviour.
Stuart also came to the aid of elderly visitors to the Village who could not recall the location of their parked car. It was poor weather so he arranged for them to wait in the warm while he went in search of the vehicle. Thankfully the couple were soon on their way home before it got too dark.
Need to reach Stuart? You can contact him by email: communityliaison@headcornpc.org.uk​
Moat Road Planning Application
The Moat Road Development appeal opened on 26th February. The Parish Clerks and Chairman went along to put forward Headcorn Villages position. They talked to the inspector about the impact of another development on the Village including the area being subject to flooding, the road being wholly unsuitable, no pavement and nowhere to put one, the lack of school spaces and local GP's, the lack of infrastructure around water, sewage and other utilities and the traffic lights making 230 cars turning off the A274 and onto the A274 a logistical nightmare for both current residents and any that would buy these proposed houses. This is the start of a lengthy investigation by the Inspector and the community won’t find out the result for many weeks, possibly even a couple of months. Unfortunately we also won’t be privy to much of the discussion around this planned development but as soon as we know the outcome we will let everyone know.
Church Lane Parking
The new parking restrictions have been introduced in Church Lane. Just to recap, the objective of this is not to generate revenue but to try to free up parking spaces for everyone to use. The first hour of parking is free. If you stay between 1-2 hours the charge is £2, between 2-3 hours is £4 and between 3-4 hours is £6. This is however being tested and there is a possibility that we will adjust rates/times in the coming months. There is no charge on Sundays or Bank Holidays. If you are attending a church event then you can apply in advance for an exemption. The fenced area for parking at the Heart of Headcorn remains free for users of that facility and you can arrange access with Bella Mansfield or the Clerks. Parking at the Village Hall is unaffected but remember it is for users of the Village Hall only. To pay you simply use the app (via the signage) or phone 0330 333 8434.
Millbank Meadow
Many of you will recall that the Parish was gifted four acres of land by generous parishioners back in 2023. It has taken a while to arrange the paperwork but we are nearly at the stage of opening the land for public access. This will be known as Millbank Meadow and is sited at the top of the Kings Hill estate. Access is by foot only and is via Aspen Place. The site as a whole has been divided into two, with one area for open access and the other with a large pond accessed by arrangement only (potentially useful to groups doing nature hunts etc.). There are some finishing touches required for the access area and for hedging but it will be open very soon.
Please be aware there is no dedicated parking for this area so please explore on foot.
Events coming up
There are a few key events coming up this year which you might like to know about.
Firstly is the annual PTFA May Fair on Day’s Green on 5th May.
Next we will be marking the VE Day 80th Celebrations on 8th May with a service and lighting of the Beacon from 9pm.
Finally we plan to arrange another Musical Spectacular on July 19th which will be a celebration of both the VE and VJ Day Commemorations. This will be held at Parsonage Meadow and include music and dancing!
Maintenance Matters
We will be installing bollards near Spires Ash to prevent vehicular access to the area. We will also be enhancing the hedgerows.
We will be improving the footpath around Parsonage Meadow.
We will be building a ramp by the access area to Hoggs Bridge Green to reduce the step.
We have a new company in charge of managing and maintaining our street lighting. If you know of any lights that are not working then please email the Clerk.
South East in Bloom Competition
HPC feel very proud of the beautiful floral displays in the village each year which are so well installed and maintained by our lengthsmen team. This year we have decided to enter the South East in Bloom Competition.
We have entered the “Parish in Bloom” category. Judging takes place during mid-June and mid-July and the results are announced at their Awards in September.
The award level goes from bronze to gold and each entrant receives a written report from their judge.
To enhance our displays we will have the usual hanging baskets in the High Street and the lengthsmen team have also installed low level planters on Parsonage Meadow for wildflowers. If we can find other areas to enhance then we will endeavour to do so.
