Ditton Gazette - Autumn 2010

photograph of KCC Warden John Newton COMMUNITY WARDEN’S REPORT

HELP THE POLICE TO HELP YOURSELF
As a Community Warden I work on information received from the public, Police, the Parish Council and many other sources, topics such as vandalism, anti-social behaviour, damage to roads, truanting youths etc. Although the Parish council and myself like to be kept informed, some topics must be reported to the Police before anyone else, such as criminal damage, nuisance motorcycles (especially the quarry area) in fact anything that qualifies as a crime, if unsure, call the Police and ask for advice. The ‘rule of thumb’ is if a crime is in progress call 999, otherwise if the crime has already occurred, or you have information of a crime or suspected crime call 01622 690690. When I am off duty I sometimes receive calls about nuisance youths on motorcycles in the quarry, most of these go to answerphone and are not picked up until I am next on duty. Although I appreciate being kept informed of incidents, it is the Police that can react to such a call.

FIRE SIGNS
I have assisted the Parish Council Ground staff to erect 5 replacement ‘Fire Warning’ signs in the Ditton Quarry Nature Reserve, which have now been staked into the ground. Because some irresponsible people, thought it was a good idea to pull down and destroy the posters, previously placed on fire sites. I can only hope that no-one ever gets hurt because of the deplorable actions by a few stupid people. I have now been informed that at least one of these signs have been removed, this is ‘Criminal Damage’ should the persons be caught they will be dealt by the Police and may be charged. If your children play in the area please ensure that they are aware of the danger and destruction of lighting fires and ask them to keep an eye out for the culprits. any information on who they are, let me or the Parish Council know or, ideally, contact the Police.

YOUTH CENTRE
Fantastic news. We have jumped a huge hurdle in getting the project off the ground. The Parish Council have generously offered to replace the roof and repair the walls of the Cedar rooms to make it safe and ensure that the project will go forward. The Steering Committee will be meeting soon to rethink the project and raise funds to refurbish the interior. We desperately need volunteers to come forward to help with the refurbishment work, are you an electrician, builder, carpenter, plumber etc and can give a little time to help us finish the project we would love to hear from you. We will ensure your name, or Company name, will be publicised and we are considering a plaque on the outside of the building.

THE STREAM
Twice now I have had to organise someone to remove garden waste from the Stream and the green towpath in ‘Streamside’ also I have cleared rubbish myself on two occasions from the stream itself. Not only is this rubbish unsightly but an offence as it is fly tipping and harmful to the wildlife in the stream.

PARKING ON PAVEMENTS
I know that some of the roads of Ditton are not very wide and to prevent your vehicles being possibly damaged and to allow the flow of traffic, some of you park your vehicles with two wheels and sometimes 4 wheels on the pavement. I would like to remind you that the pavement/footpath is a part of the highway and if you cause an obstruction, the Police or Kent Highways may take action against you. I would suggest that, provided your vehicle is not damaging the road or pavement, you check whether a standard wheelchair or double buggy could pass between your vehicle and the property boundary you are parked outside and also if a fire engine/appliance can pass on the road side. If you are unable answer YES to both of these, you need to move your vehicle to an area where it will not cause an obstruction.

UNDER AGED DRINKING
I am aware of youths (aged below 18) who are regularly drinking alcohol at New Road Recreation Ground and in the Quarry area. I would like to advise them that one of the reasons for an age limit, is because young people’s bodily organs, ie liver, kidneys etc. can be seriously damaged from the intake of alcohol. My concern is twofold, the possible damage this type of drinking is doing to their health and the antisocial behaviour which occurs as a result of them having ‘a few’ drinks. If we suspect our children are drinking alcohol I think that as responsible adults we should show them what happens to the body’s organs after excessive alcohol is consumed. We need to educate them, not chastise them, and plenty of information on this can be found at the Library and on the internet. Please also remember that there is a legal issue here that must be addressed. Please don’t ignore it if your children come home a little merry or drunk. By helping them to understand the dangers to their health we might just save their lives.

2010 BEST KEPT GARDEN COMPETITION Congratulations to the winners and finalists in this year’s Best Kept Garden Competition In first place were Mr & Mrs Bragoli of Acorn Grove, who unfortunately could not be at the presentation but were presented with the Winners Cup the following day (picture above left courtesy of Downs Mail) In second place were Mr & Mrs Davis of Fernleigh Rise and in third place were Ms Savage and Mr Green of Nursery Road. The runners up were Mr & Mrs Austin of Cherry Orchard, Mr & Mrs Craig of The Stream, Mr & Mrs Green of Bell Lane, Mr & Mrs Hawkes of Ditton Court Close, Mr and Mrs Jacques of Priory Grove and Mr and Mrs Newman of Acorn Grove. Well done to you all for keeping your front gardens so beautifully presented. (Above) The finalists at the presentation held in the Kilnbarn after being presented with their awards by Cllr Mrs Jane Thwaites (Chair of the Open Spaces and Amenities Committee.
COMMUNITY WARDEN’S REPORT HELP THE POLICE TO HELP YOURSELF As a Community Warden I work on information received from the public, Police, the Parish Council and many other sources, topics such as vandalism, anti-social behaviour, damage to roads, truanting youths etc. Although the Parish council and myself like to be kept informed, some topics must be reported to the Police before anyone else, such as criminal damage, nuisance motorcycles (especially the quarry area) in fact anything that qualifies as a crime, if unsure, call the Police and ask for advice. The ‘rule of thumb’ is if a crime is in progress call 999, otherwise if the crime has already occurred, or you have information of a crime or suspected crime call 01622 690690. When I am off duty I sometimes receive calls about nuisance youths on motorcycles in the quarry, most of these go to answerphone and are not picked up until I am next on duty. Although I appreciate being kept informed of incidents, it is the Police that can react to such a call. FIRE SIGNS I have assisted the Parish Council Ground staff to erect 5 replacement ‘Fire Warning’ signs in the Ditton Quarry Nature Reserve, which have now been staked into the ground. Because some irresponsible people, thought it was a good idea to pull down and destroy the posters, previously placed on fire sites. I can only hope that no-one ever gets hurt because of the deplorable actions by a few stupid people. I have now been informed that at least one of these signs have been removed, this is ‘Criminal Damage’ should the persons be caught they will be dealt by the Police and may be charged. If your children play in the area please ensure that they are aware of the danger and destruction of lighting fires and ask them to keep an eye out for the culprits. any information on who they are, let me or the Parish Council know or, ideally, contact the Police. YOUTH CENTRE Fantastic news. We have jumped a huge hurdle in getting the project off the ground. The Parish Council have generously offered to replace the roof and repair the walls of the Cedar rooms to make it safe and ensure that the project will go forward. The Steering Committee will be meeting soon to rethink the project and raise funds to refurbish the interior. We desperately need volunteers to come forward to help with the refurbishment work, are you an electrician, builder, carpenter, plumber etc and can give a little time to help us finish the project we would love to hear from you. We will ensure your name, or Company name, will be publicised and we are considering a plaque on the outside of the building. THE STREAM Twice now I have had to organise someone to remove garden waste from the Stream and the green towpath in ‘Streamside’ also I have cleared rubbish myself on two occasions from the stream itself. Not only is this rubbish unsightly but an offence as it is fly tipping and harmful to the wildlife in the stream. PARKING ON PAVEMENTS I know that some of the roads of Ditton are not very wide and to prevent your vehicles being possibly damaged and to allow the flow of traffic, some of you park your vehicles with two wheels and sometimes 4 wheels on the pavement. I would like to remind you that the pavement/footpath is a part of the highway and if you cause an obstruction, the Police or Kent Highways may take action against you. I would suggest that, provided your vehicle is not damaging the road or pavement, you check whether a standard wheelchair or double buggy could pass between your vehicle and the property boundary you are parked outside and also if a fire engine/appliance can pass on the road side. If you are unable answer YES to both of these, you need to move your vehicle to an area where it will not cause an obstruction. UNDER AGED DRINKING I am aware of youths (aged below 18) who are regularly drinking alcohol at New Road Recreation Ground and in the Quarry area. I would like to advise them that one of the reasons for an age limit, is because young people’s bodily organs, ie liver, kidneys etc. can be seriously damaged from the intake of alcohol. My concern is twofold, the possible damage this type of drinking is doing to their health and the antisocial behaviour which occurs as a result of them having ‘a few’ drinks. If we suspect our children are drinking alcohol I think that as responsible adults we should show them what happens to the body’s organs after excessive alcohol is consumed. We need to educate them, not chastise them, and plenty of information on this can be found at the Library and on the internet. Please also remember that there is a legal issue here that must be addressed. Please don’t ignore it if your children come home a little merry or drunk. By helping them to understand the dangers to their health we might just save their lives.
Chairman’s report I hope you have all had a good summer, despite the weather, and feel refreshed and ready to tackle the Autumn weather which seems to have arrived in August this year! The joint Family Day organised by the Reverend Priscilla Payne, on behalf of St Peter’s Church and supported by the parish council, was a great success. The open air Service, hog roast, jazz band and other attractions were enjoyed by all who attended and we look forward to supporting another family day in 2011. On behalf of the Council I sincerely thank Priscilla and St Peter’s Church for organising such an excellent family event. Work to refurbish and clean the War Memorial was undertaken early in the Summer and this has much improved the stonework and lettering. During this work it was noted that the cross has started to deteriorate and may need to be replaced in the future. The Youth Centre project is gathering speed and I am pleased to say that the Council has agreed to have the Cedar Room made structurally safe and a replacement roof. This will enable the Steering and Youth Committees to concentrate on raising funds to refurbish the internal section of the building that they will use as a Youth Centre and also to purchase equipment. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank both the Adult and Youth Committees for their hard work and commitment to the project. My visit to our twinned village for Bastille Day in July was once again appreciated by the Mayor and Council of Rang-du-Fliers. I was very warmly welcomed and, as usual, their hospitality was second to none. Twinning exchange visits between local clubs and organisations are organised on a fairly regular basis and a great many friendships have been forged over the years. The Twinning Association have their own page on the Council’s website which can be accessed at www.dittonparishcouncil.gov.uk and includes information and pictures of recent exchange visits. The Best Kept Garden Competition and Open Show took place during the Summer and there were some excellent gardens and exhibits. I congratulate all the winners. Meetings have recently been held with residents, Kent Highways, Kent Police and County & Borough Councillors regarding the lorry movements in Kilnbarn Road and New Road. Notes of the meetings can be accessed on the website. Mike Porter	REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICES This year there will be two services. A service will be held on Sunday 14th November, at the Community Centre, commencing at 9.45am. The Parade will then assemble and march to the War Memorial where a further short service will take place including the two minutes silence at 11am. There will also be a short service held at the War Memorial commencing at approximately 10.55am on Thursday 11th November. All are welcome. If you require any further information, please contact the Parish Office on 01732 844749. KENT TREE WARDEN SCHEME BTCV co-ordinate the Tree Warden Scheme in Kent. There is currently no Tree Warden for Ditton. Tree Wardens are people interested in trees and that wish to care for their environment; they are volunteers and get involved in local projects. BTCV offers free training courses on tree related topics to their Wardens. If you are interested in becoming a Tree Warden for Ditton, please contact Nicola at the Parish Office for more information (01732 844749 - Mon - Thurs between 8.30am and 4.00pm). ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬ DITTON PARISH COUNCIL IMPORTANT NOTICE IN THE INTERESTS OF THE SAFETY OF ALL USERS OF THE RECREATION GROUNDS THE FLYING OF MODEL AIRCRAFT AND USE OF REMOTE CONTROL VEHICLES IS PROHIBITED ON THE RECREATION GROUNDS AND PUBLIC OPEN SPACES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PARISH COUNCIL’S BYELAWS [S.2(1)] THANK YOU ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬
News from St Peter's Church

Great to be part of the community
THE joint event organized by St Peter’s Church and Ditton Parish Council was again a great success. Ditton Community Day on Sunday, June 27 fulfilled all it promised with 300 people gathering on the village green in brilliant sunshine for the Open Air Service. Ditton Community Choir performed songs from popular musicals that had many feet tapping and people joining in the singing. The Junior School was well represented with children from the dance and fitness club presenting two very well performed dance routines. The display of flowers in the church depicting the theme of Forgiveness was greatly appreciated by those who visited the church. In the school grounds afterwards we organised a big screen to watch football as England played Germany in the world cup! Least said about that the better! It was great to have such an excellent Jazz band, scrumptious Hog Roast, and cream teas to enjoy. One of the many highlights was seeing families together enjoying a day out without any expense. The children’s roundabout and bouncy castle were very busy, and the craft corner was very popular as well. If you missed out on the fun this year make a note now of next year’s date, Sunday, June 26. We would love you to come along and share in the fun.

Good enough? The Rev Ross Terranova, Rector of Ditton 'You can do anything if you put your mind to it' goes the popular wisdom that many of us will have heard from our childhood days. Great words when it comes to stimulating ambition and concentrated effort - this can inspire us and many people can attribute some particular personal achievement to a long hard slog in pursuit of a desired goal. However, it is simply not the case that you and I can do anything if we put our minds to it. I couldn't beat Roger Federer at tennis ( though I love to watch him play ) and I am pretty sure if you put a physics A Level paper (or GCSE paper) in front of me I wouldn't know where to start. On a more serious level you couldn't accuse the England football team of not setting their minds to winning the World Cup, but we all know what happened there. No matter how much we might want something and no matter how much effort we put into achieving it we sometimes fall short. This is not to deny the value of encouraging focus, determination and perseverance but to caution against raising unrealistic expectations. At the centre of the Christian faith is the belief that God has created each of us as unique individuals and so we have different skills and abilities. Some of us excel at music, or building or brain surgery or painting. Setting our minds to try different things as we explore our God-given identity will help us discover those things we can achieve. So excellence with God is no barometer of significance. I enjoy playing tennis (well I used to) but I know however much effort I put into it I would never beat Roger Federer and that's OK. Perhaps those at the sharp end of education need most discernment as they seek to help our young people realise their full potential without promising false hopes. God loves us for who we are not because of what we achieve and that always must come first.	Operation Shoebox in Ditton LAST year as a community we filled 100 shoeboxes to be distributed to children in Eastern European countries that have little hope of receiving Christmas gifts. We will be collecting boxes up until the November 12 again this year through Samaritans Purse agency.If you would like to contribute or want further information or leaflet giving instructions please ring 01732 841257. Step out, and Turn on the Tap THIS walk is to raise awareness and money for people who have to walk on average four miles for clean water. The money raised will be used to bring clean water to people in places where this is only a dream at the moment. Two years ago we raised £500, can we beat that? The walk is easy, 3.6miles, and is around Ditton, starting at the Community Centre and finishing with refreshments in the Church Centre, New Road. There is a registration form and the fee is £2.50 per person. There are sponsor forms but these are not necessary unless you have work colleagues or family willing to sponsor you. Please just come on Saturday, October 2 at 10-15am. You can register then, and walk for a good cause. Choir badly needs help DITTON Community Choir, with 35 committed members, is in dire need of a musical director to help us on a regular basis. If this could be you or if you know someone who would be willing to help please ring Priscilla on 01732 841257. Can we Pray for you IS THERE someone or a situation you would like us to pray for in our services on a Sunday. We don’t need to know details or names if you prefer, but if we could be of any help in this way please contact Ross 01732 842027 7or Priscilla 01732 841257 or leave a message at the church office 01732 873798. If you know of anyone who would be helped by a visit at home or hospital please contact the above numbers. Harvest Thanksgiving Sunday, October 3 10am All welcome
The future’s bright, the future’s Red & Black Stripes
	New Chairman The Committee of Ditton Minors FC is pleased to announce that Stuart McLellan has taken over the post as Club Chairman. Stuart lives in Ditton and his son, Josh, has played for the club for a number of years and is currently with our Under 11s team. Stuart and his committee are determined to take the football club forward to ensure that every child in Ditton has the opportunity to play for their local team.
Good luck for the new season Ditton Minors FC would like to thank all the local businesses who have kindly given donations, continued support and good luck messages for the coming season. ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬ ATTENTION all Year 2 and Year 3 Children — Do you want to play for a football team? Come along and join in with training — Call Judith Darby on 01732 870137 for further information.
WATCH YOUR SPEED!! It has been brought to the Council’s attention that many people drive too fast around the village roads. Please be mindful of your speed and remember that children may be riding bikes and scooters and playing ball games, so extra care should be taken in the high residential areas. Dangerous driving issues should be reported to Kent Police on telephone number 01622 690690. Parking enforcement issues are the responsibility of Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council who can be contacted on telephone number 01732 844522. Ditton Quarry Nature Reserve …….is a valuable area for people and wildlife. The site boasts many vulnerable plant species and is host to an abundance of insects and spiders which specialists are cataloguing as we speak. It provides a tranquil place for people (and their dogs) to walk and a great adventure playground for children. Ditton Quarry Volunteer Group need more volunteers to help with the schedule of litter picking. This is not an arduous task and only requires one litter pick a year (on a rota system). In addition, we all get together in the autumn to do a group litter pick and enjoy a walk around the quarry. If you are interested in joining an enthusiastic team, please telephone Nicola at Ditton Parish Council Office on 01732 844749 or email at nicola@dittonparishcouncil.gov.uk. [Go to the Nature Reserve information pages] We look forward to seeing you soon. DITTON TWINNING ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CHRISTMAS FAYRE Saturday 27th November 2010 at Ditton Community Centre from 1pm to 4pm Bring the children along to see Santa on his sleigh with his reindeers and his Elves and have their photograph taken. Stalls will include a coffee shop, Tombola and many other stalls offering ideas and gifts for Christmas Admission charge will apply For stall bookings Contact Tony Mulcuck on 01732 844195 DITTON SHORT MAT BOWLING CLUB The club meets most Monday and Friday afternoons in the Oaken Hall, Ditton Community Centre from 1.15 pm till 4.15 pm It is a very friendly and sociable club and we have vacancies for membership. Please come along and see what it is all about and if you want to take part we have some spare bowls for you to try your hand at this most sociable sport. Contact Mrs Jean Banks our secretary for more details on:- 01634 711707 FREE LIPREADING CLASSES If you have a hearing loss and would like to improve your communication skills, why not join one of our Friendly FREE lip reading classes in Kings Hill. No previous experience is necessary. Classes are relaxed and good fun and taught by a qualified tutor. The class will be held at the Kings Hill Community Hall, 70 Gibson Drive, Kings Hill ME19 4LG and will start on Thursday 23 September 2010 from 10am to 12 noon. To book a place, phone Hi Kent on 01622 691151, text 07795 951466 or e-mail enquiries@hikent.org.uk. You are welcome to join at any time during the year if places are available. Debra Jones Hi Kent 18 Brewer Street, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1RU TEL: 01622 691151 FAX: 01622 672436 MAIL: D.Jones@hikent.org.uk CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S EVE DANCES AT DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE Friday, 17th December 2010 - TODD MILLER & THE JOE LOSS ORCHESTRA Saturday, 18th December 2010 - TODD MILLER & THE JOE LOSS ORCHESTRA Sunday, 31st December 2010 - THE PETER ELIGATE SHOWBAND LIMITED TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE—BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT ALL ENQUIRIES TO THE PARISH OFFICE ON 01732 844749 DITTON WAR MEMORIAL The War Memorial (built in 1920) is a very important part of Ditton’s history and community. Every year over 200 people gather at the War Memorial for a service on Remembrance Sunday including ex-servicemen, Royal Naval Association, RAF Association, local TA, 2374 Squadron (Air Cadets), Scouts, Cubs, Guides, Brownies, local schools and residents. Admiring the newly cleaned memorial (L-R) Nicola Greenaway (Clerk to the Open Spaces and Amenities Committee), Cllr Tony Mulcuck, Mr Len Mace and KCC Cllr Peter Homewood. Several of the ex-servicemen and older members of the community were concerned about the condition of the war memorial. An inspection of the War Memorial was undertaken and it was noted that the Kent Ragstone of the War Memorial had been colonised by lichen and algae and required pointing in some areas to prevent further erosion of the mortar joints. The close proximity to the main road had resulted in years of traffic grime, road salt contamination and carbon being deposited on the surface of the stone. The aim of the project was to clean the ragstone, the cross and the Portland stone panels including the careful cleaning and reconsolidation of the flush lead lettering and also to re-point the stone, where necessary. Therefore, the Parish Council was very keen to have this work carried out to preserve the War Memorial for the existing local community and for future generations. The work was completed in May by Burlite (War Memorial Restoration) Ltd. The total cost of the work was £1,924.00 and was funded by generous grants from Kent County Cllr Peter Homewood from his KCC Members Grant (£1,250.00), and The War Memorials Trust (£724.00), for which the Parish Council is most grateful. D.A.M.A.R.A. Ditton & Malling Active Retirement Association ———– The club meets every second Wednesday of each month in the Oaken Hall, Ditton Community Centre 1.30 pm to 4.00 pm ———— We are open to residents in the local area who are either retired or semi-retired and who are looking for an active club to join. We have a speaker at most of the meetings and every third month we will be holding an activity afternoon that will involve games quizzes etc. We have on an average one outing a month and also a section where you can take part in Rambles. During the summer Members play Petanque (or Boules as some people know it) at the piste near the children’s play-area at Kilnbarn recreation ground. We also have a very active singing group who entertain around the area. ———— If you are interested please come along to one of our meetings or get in touch with the secretary:- Mike Atkinson on 01622-717303. DITTON HERITAGE CENTRE ARE HOLDING A QUIZ NIGHT AT THE DITTON JUNIOR SCHOOL NEW ROAD, DITTON SAT OCTOBER 16 7 FOR 7.30pm start £4 PER PERSON Teams of up to eight Bring your own drinks, nibbles PHONE EITHER TONY ON 01732 844195 OR LIZ ON 01732 840937 TONBRIDGE & MALLING CD-ROM 2000 - 2010 Back in 1999/2000 Peter Ellis created a CD-ROM as part of the Millennium Archive which covered the histories, peoples and activities of each Parish. Peter is now in the process of creating an updated version concentrating on the first ten years of the Millennium and is looking for contributions to show a rounded view of each Town and Village in the Borough and their residents, clubs etc. If you have anything that you feel needs to be included, please email or telephone Peter Ellis on pafellis@hotmail.co.uk or call him on 01732 503562. Nothing is too small as each item will have a least one page and some have over 20. Illustrations are very welcome with minimal text descriptions. Slide shows of photo entries will have a musical background – or commentary if you wish to have one. Think fire safe, think green urge firefighters “Think safe, think green” is the message from Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KRFS), who is urging people to use environmentally friendly alternatives to bonfires to get rid of garden waste this autumn. While it is tempting to have bonfires to clear up fallen leaves, clippings and old plants, they frequently burn out of control and pollute the environment. Unless properly contained and managed, bonfires easily spread to wooden fences, surrounding trees, undergrowth, and buildings. As well as causing a nuisance to neighbours, they can also harm any wildlife that may be sheltering in your garden. Why not do your bit to protect the environment and keep safe from injury and property damage by composting your garden waste? This can be done at home in a garden compost bin or by taking it to your local KCC household waste recycling centre. Community Safety Delivery Manager Lawrence Pater said: “Composting is a much safer, greener solution and will provide you with a nutrient rich soil improver to keep your plants healthy. However, if you must have a bonfire the advice is to take extra care and never use petrol or other accelerants on them. “Also, never leave any fire unattended and if your bonfire gets out of control, never try to tackle it yourself, you could end up getting hurt. Always call the fire and rescue service which is trained to deal with these types of incidents.” Build your bonfire well clear of buildings, garden sheds, fences and hedges; Never use flammable liquids to start a bonfire and never burn dangerous items such as aerosol cans, paint tins, foam furniture or batteries; Don’t leave bonfires unattended. An adult should supervise it until it has burnt out. If it has to be left, damp it down with plenty of water; Always keep a bucket of water or a hosepipe nearby in case of fire spread. Further fire safety advice can be obtained from KFRS’s Community Fire Safety team on 0800 923 7000 or log on to www.kent.fire-uk.org.
HELPING TO KEEP DITTON TROUBLE FREE
Above: PC Becky Ballard During the past couple of months we have had quite a few reports of nuisance motor vehicles being ridden in and around Ditton quarry, Nursery Road, Kiln Barn recreation ground and on footpaths leading out to Quarry Wood. We encourage residents to report this type of anti-social behaviour at the time it is happening on 01622 690690, so those responsible can be ‘caught in the act’. Usually when offenders are caught, if it is the first time, they receive an official warning, and then if the rider or vehicle are caught again within 12 months, the vehicle is seized. In the last two weeks of July, three males were issued with warnings. We are continuing patrols in the area to tackle the issue. On 11 August, representatives from your neighbourhood police and Tonbridge Malling Borough Council were at Sainsbury’s, Quarry Wood where they gave away over 60 free timer switches, which make your house lights come on when you are out, and fitted lots of purse chains to bags to keep money and cards safe. On 19 August we conducted a multi-agency road check along with Immigration, VOSA, DVLA and KCC at the TA Centre, London Road. It was a productive morning with one arrest for drugs and public order offences, four vehicles seized for no insurance and fixed penalty tickets issued for offences such as using a mobile phone whilst driving or no MOT. These types of checks are a good way for us to tackle driving offences, but it also gives us the opportunity to disrupt travelling criminals who may be intending to commit crime in our area. On 20 August we held a ‘safer plates’ event, at Sainsbury’s, Quarry Wood, where 22 vehicles had tamper proof screws fitted to their number plates to prevent them from being stolen. If you have anything you’d like to discuss with us, please contact us on 01732 529910 or email us at malling.neighbourhood@kent.pnn.police.uk 2009/2010 ACCOUNTS Due to an error by this Council’s accountants, a journal figure of £6,535.52 was transposed in error and was not spotted before the accounts were advertised in the last Gazette. Therefore the Surplus for the year should have read £3,937.00 and not £17,008.00. A copy of the Amended Accounts can be viewed at the Parish Office any weekday between 8.30am and 4.00pm.


Autumn 2010 Extracts >>Back to Gazette Archive<<