Take a closer look at some of the news stories from the Parish Council this February
To contact the Parish Council please email clerk@headcornpc.org.uk
Parish Council News
Roberts' Land
Some years ago the Parish Council was approached by Dr & Mrs Roberts who were offering to gift approximately four acres of land to the community. The land is adjacent to the Kings Oak Park development. This has taken a while to progress due to access matters amongst other things, but now this is nearing a conclusion and the community can look forward to enjoying a new open space. The final stages include putting together a governing body and installing a footbridge across a ditch. Once done some assistance will be required for tree planting and re-wilding of the area. More to follow.
Speeding
Two matters to report on this topic. Firstly, the monthly speed enforcement carried out by the Police is set to continue in the Village. They have proven successful in catching speeding drivers in specific locations.
Secondly, we held a productive meeting with KCC to propose strategies to address speeding vehicles from Headcorn's Highway Improvement Plan. This is now to be reviewed with Kent Highways and we look forward to their response.
Moat Road Development
The Parish Council has submitted its comments on the proposed development, which you are able to view using the link below. The planning reference is 22/505616/OUT.
The Parish Council has stated that they would like to see the proposals refused. They have detailed the many issues that exist and the conditions under which such a development might be considered positively at this location.
Link to planning search:
Precept Increase
In addition to the Council Tax payable by parishioners is the Headcorn Precept, and this year there will be an increase of 15% to costs, representing an additional £2 per month per household. Whilst the rate of increase is disappointing it is a reflection of rising costs and the necessity to ensure sufficient funds are gathered to pay as yet unspecified charges - such as energy costs for lighting.
Grant Funding
The Parish Council has a small pot of grant funds which Headcorn's community groups may apply for. The fund allows for small donations to be granted to groups that need particular support or charitable events that might need help.
If you'd like to apply then do get in touch with the Clerks' office.
Days Green
The Parish Council has now completed its enhancement of Days Green, with bollards installed along North Street and large planters along Kings Road.
The planters will soon be stained to match the bollards and then filled with plants.
Special Events
Early May will see two Bank Holidays this year along with special occasions for the community to get together. Firstly is the May Fair on 1st May, which this year promises to be bigger and better than ever! There will be some necessary adjustment to access on Days Green due to the new bollards.
For the weekend of 6th - 8th May there will be Coronation celebrations, including The Coronation Big Lunch on Sunday 7th and The Big Help Out on Monday 8th. More details of the plans for that weekend will follow.
Water Supply Issues
Last year many parishioners were affected by a break in their water supply from South East Water which lasted more than eight hours. Rules state that under such circumstances provision of bottled water should be made by South East Water and it wasn't. The Parish Clerk has pursued a complaint on the community's behalf to South East Water. An apology has been received along with a sum of £2500. The Parish Council will be exploring and new devices and systems that might be available to protect the community should this happen again. We will keep you posted.
Salt Bins
Here is a reminder of where the salt bins are placed (marked in yellow), they have been refilled this week.
Neighbourhood Plan
This remains with Maidstone Borough Council, awaiting their response to the remaining points for consideration.
