Latest News - (updated 29/07/2010)
 
Did you know the Mid & West Kent Home Improvement Agency are able to help older and vulnerable home owners with advice and help for such things as repairs and improvements to enable independent living, information on housing options, home safety and security checks, hospital discharge services etc.? If you think they could help you, a relation or neighbour find out more on 01732 525520 or visit www.intouchsupport.co.uk
 
GAS MAIN REPLACEMENT
 
The gas main is being replaced along the B245. Work will continue until beyond the end of the year, with a break from 6 September for a few weeks when sections of the A21 will be closed.
 
If you have a problem contact:
Southern Gas company on 0845 0701431
Or the contractor on:
Morrison Utility Services 0844 3759555
 
** Your Neighbourhood Policing Team are: PC Andy Sargeant and PCSO Toni Matthew. They are based at Tonbridge police station and can be contacted on 01732 379232 or by email on Tonbridge.neighbourhood@kent.pnn.police.uk PCSO Toni Matthew PCSO Matthew is based at Tonbridge Police Station
 
** For details of the Bulky Refuse Collection service click here
 
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CENTRE PIECE FOR KEYS August 2010
 
Hot dry weather does not always bring out the best in people which is a shame since it has been just great recently to sit outside, relax and enjoy the sunshine as I am sure many of you have done.
 
However the downside seems to be litter and vandalism. The light, warm summer evenings seems to encourage dumping of fast food containers, wrappers, cans and bottles immediately their contents have been consumed. There were comments from a member of the public and Parish Councillors at the Parish Council Meeting on Wednesday 21 July regarding the amount of litter throughout the Village. Some members of the public as well as Parish Councillors take bags out with them and endeavour to pick up rubbish as they walk. However they feel they are loosing the battle. After much discussion of ideas and ways to combat the problem the Parish Council agreed they would initially contact the authorities to find out the frequency of their litter clearing team's visits to the Village. Already the Borough Council had agreed to double the number of collections from the litter bins outside One Stop and the Church every week so let us encourage everyone to use them! Don't forget, as noted in last month's Centre Piece, litter louts can be reported to Tamsin Richie on 01732 876295 who is able to issue fines.
 
Vandalism has again been a great problem, and expense, to the Parish Council. There has been a great deal of extremely unpleasant graffiti on the play equipment in West Wood. Thank you to the residents who have contacted me to alert us to the problem. This has been cleaned off by Mr King and the police but again they feel they are loosing the battle.
 
The other major problem has been vandalism to the Pavilion and the play area fence in the Recreation Ground. It seems that some people gain great delight in breaking pickets around the play area, as well as breaking windows in the Pavilion and they even set fire to the litter bin a few weeks back. Fortunately an alert neighbour called the fire service and the only damage incurred was to the bin itself. Should you see anything suspicious or anyone causing damage do call the police, or at least alert me.
 
It isn't all doom and gloom as there are a number of projects or improvements being investigated for the Village. Hildenborough Tennis Club has an exciting project planned to floodlight two of their courts to enable members to play tennis during the weekday evenings when the nights draw in. A representative came to the Parish Council meeting and explained the project, showing plans and photos of a similar scheme. Apparently all the other clubs in the area have these facilities and the club would like to be able to cater for the needs of residents for evening recreation during the darker evenings.
 
The Parish Council expressed concerns regarding light pollution possibly affecting the residents in the flats opposite and was assured there would not be light spillage from these latest style floodlights which direct their light immediately on the court. The Club do not have any intention of using them beyond 10 pm and they would only be lit whilst in use. The club will be contacting all the residents to inform them of the project and gain their views. The Parish Council thought the project had merit but has asked to see the questionnaire before it is distributed and the subsequent replies before giving whole-hearted support to the project as they, as landlords, would like to know that local residents are behind, or at least not against, the project.
 
Another piece of good news is that a site for the scout's bonfire has been agreed for the Autumn. It will be located the Riding Lane side of the Recreation Ground which will mean the fire can be fed more easily and consequently kept alight for as long as necessary. It is understood the event planned is more ambitious this year and will include activities for families to have an enjoyable evening rather than just watch the fireworks and then go home.
 
It looks as if the Pavilion may be smartened up. It is looking a bit tired and so the Parish Council has had a survey undertaken to establish whether it is worth renovating or whether it should be replaced. Most people, I know, would prefer to have the present character building renovated rather see it replaced with a modern rectangular brick block. If you are one of those it is good news as a number of modifications and redecoration are possible to upgrade it and spruce it up. The only drawback may well be the cost but we will wait and see what story the quotations tell.
 
It was also agreed at the meeting that further investigations should be undertaken into the provision of facilities for the 12+ age group in the Recreation Ground, although this too will be very dependent on obtaining funding, as well as the request for a cycle track in West Wood. A suitable area has been identified which will not detract from the enjoyment of walkers or put wild life in danger, but it is now necessary to find out if it is fit for purpose.
 
I hope by now the swings in West Wood will have been replaced. These have been removed because of safety issues raised with the manufacturers. A fault has been identified and they are designing and manufacturing a suitable replacement part.
 
Our local MP, Sir John Stanley, has been very helpful in supporting the Parish Council in pursuing the problem of the display on the ticket machine at the station. Currently there is a promise of a replacement screen which will result in it being visible during the day. Let us hope it works!
 
If you are taking your summer break during August or September I hope you have a most enjoyable and relaxing time. Centre Piece will appear in September but in a different format - it will give you details of your Parish Councillors and the committees they serve. .
 
A reminder in case you ever want to contact me on any of the above issues (or anything else of concern) my phone number is 01732 832367 or email me at clerk@thisishildenborough.co.uk
 
Pam Gow