Parish News
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Parish Council Office Closed
The Office of the Parish Council will be closed the week commencing 29th May. For any thing urgent, please contact the Parish Councillors directly. Their details can be found on the Councillors section of the website, or click here
https://smardenparishcouncil.gov.uk/councillors#formstart.
Alternatively the office will be re open again on Monday 5th June
Results of the Parish Election
Smarden Parish - Declaration of Result of Poll
Ashford Borough Council Election of Parish Councillors for
Smarden on Thursday 4 May 2023
Tracey Kerly, being the Returning Officer at the above election, do hereby give notice that the number of votes recorded for each Candidate at the said election is as follows:
APPLEBEE Jonathan Mark commonly known as APPLEBEE J
BARTLEET Elaine Patricia
BRISTOW Brian Martin
CRAIG Jocelyn Patricia
HARTFIELD-KEMP Natasha
HODGKINS Ashley
RANDOLPH Lyandrea commonly known as RANDOLPH Lea
TEARE Helen Louise
WILSON Katherine commonly known as WILSON Kathy
For the full details, please click the Smarden Election Results
Notice of road closure from Kent County Council
Notice of road closure from Kent County Council
Urgent Road Closure - Burnthouse Lane, Smarden - 12th April 2023 (Ashford)
It will be necessary to close Burnthouse Lane, Smarden from 12th April 2023 for up to 1 day.
The road will be closed at the junctions of Barkley Bidden Road and Bell Lane.
The alternative route is via Smarden Bell Road, Bell Lane, Headcorn Road, Smarden Road, The Cut and vice versa.
This is to enable carriageway repairs to be carried out by Kent County Council.
Statement of Persons Nominated for Smarden Parish Council
For full detail please visit the link below
Smarden Ward Statement of Persons Nominated
APPLEBEE
J
Financial Advisor
AYLOTT
James Anthony
BARTLEET
Elaine Patricia
BRISTOW
Brian
Retired Airline Pilot
CRAIG
Jocelyn Patricia
EWING
Holly Victoria
HALL
Russ
HARTFIELD-KEMP
Natasha
Landlady of the Flying Horse
HODGKINS
Ashley,
Company Director
JONES
Alun
Lawyer
RANDOLPH
Lea
TEARE
Helen Louise
WILSON
Kathy
A POLL WILL BE TAKEN on Thursday 4 May 2023 between the hours of 7 am and 10 pm
https://www.ashford.gov.uk/your-council/register-to-vote-and-elections/local-elections-may-2023/statement-of-persons-nominated-2023-local-elections/statement-of-persons-nominated-for-parishes-may-2023/smarden-parish-ward-statement-of-persons-nominated/
Office Closed
The Clerk's office will be closed on Monday 3rd April and open again on Wednesday 5th.
Confused over the nomination papers?
Click below for the help and guidance on what you need to do?
Local Election (May 4th)
Please find below the links for the Parish Election Papers.
The nomination paper must be delivered by hand to the Returning Officer at the Civic Centre, Tannery Lane, Ashford, Kent, TN23 1PL between the hours of 9:30am and 4pm on any working day from the date of publication of the Notice of Election on Wednesday 22nd March 2023, and prior to the last time for delivery of nomination papers as stated in the Notice of Election, 4pm Tuesday 4th April 2023.
Road Closure Advance Warning
Temporary Road Closure - Snughorne Lane, Smarden - 17th May 2023 (Ashford District)
It will be necessary to close part of Snughorne Lane, Smarden, from 17th May 2023 with estimated completion by 18th May 2023.
Snughorne Lane, Smarden, will be closed between the junctions of Smarden Bell Road and The Cut, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site.
The alternative route for any through traffic is via Smarden Bell Road, Burnthouse Lane, The Cut and vice versa.
The closure is required for the safety of the public and workforce while allowing water works to be carried out, works are undertaken by South East Water.
Annual Parish Meeting
Local Elections
Where: Smarden Charter Hall
Don't forget you need photo ID.
Become a Councillor!
With the May 2023 elections fast approaching, the Kent Association Local Councils is running workshops for members of the public who may wish to become Councillors. The workshops cover:
• The role of the Councillor
• Benefits for the locality and community
• Benefits for the individual Councillor
• Questions and Answers
The dates for these events are:
• 21 February 2023 at 7-8pm
• 21 March 2023 at 7-8pm
These are online events and are free to attend.
For more information on the election timetable, please click here:
https://www.ashford.gov.uk/your-council/register-to-vote-and-elections/elections-and-referendums/upcoming-elections-and-referendums/election-timetable-for-thursday-4-may-2023/
https://www.ashford.gov.uk/your-council/register-to-vote-and-elections/elections-and-referendums/upcoming-elections-and-referendums/election-timetable-for-thursday-4-may-2023/
Important Kent County Council Consultations
There are two consultations launched by Kent County Council, one on changes to Adult Social Care and the other on School Transport. If either of these are impacting on your family, please fill out the questionnaires.
Alternatively printed copies of the consultations will be at the Parish Council Meet and Greet this morning, running 10 - 12am in the Charter Hall. We can also help you fill out the questionnaire too
Transport Link:
https://letstalk.kent.gov.uk/school-transport-policy.
Care Policy Link:
https://letstalk.kent.gov.uk/adults-social-care-charging-policy?utm_medium=email&utm_medium=email&utm_source=ehq_newsletter&utm_source=ehq&utm_campaign=ehq-Adult-Social-Care-Charging-Policy-Consultation&utm_campaign=website
Message from Kent County Council about School Transport
Message from Kent County Council:
Kent County Council have have launched a new eight-week consultation on:
• a draft Home to School Transport Policy for children and young people aged 4 to 16, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), to come into effect from the 2024-25 academic year, and
• Post 16 Transport Policy Statements for 2023-24 and 2024-25, which includes support for 19+ learners with an Education, Health and Care Plan.
More information, including proposed changes to the support we provide, is available from the consultation webpage:
https://letstalk.kent.gov.uk/school-transport-policy.
Visit before the 21 March 2023 to have your say.
Tree works being completed
Please be mindful of the tree on the Minnis, School side, which is having works completed on it today. This is just to trim the deadwood at the top, and ensure the health and life of this beautiful protected oak.
Works should be completed by end of today but please be aware the area is coned off for safety.
Next week, on 1st and 2nd February, we are also having works completed on the trees by The Street, Minnis side, so again, please be mindful.
Over the next few weeks a complete survey will be done to ensure the health of all the trees in the borough and all essential works completed.
If you have any questions regarding the works planned, please contact the clerk.
Opening Hours over Christmas
Parish Council Opening Hours over December
Mon 12th - Office open 9-12. PC meeting 1900-2100.
Mon 19th- office open 9-12
Wed 21st - office open 8.30-12
Mon 26th CLOSED
Wed 28th- Office open 9-5
Mond 2nd Jan open 9-12
During office opening times, please feel free to drop in to talk to the Clerk at any time. Office is located in The Charter Hall, Dadson Room . Email: clerk@smardenparishcouncil.gov.uk, or 01233 770680
Keith Underdown
On Sunday 20th November, Smarden Parish Council lost a dear friend and colleague.
Councillor Keith Underdown lost his brave battle with leukaemia. He was 55.
Keith leaves his loving wife, Jo and their two sons.
Keith was elected as Councillor in May 2019 for his first term.
He was raised and educated in Smarden. He was a true Smardonian through and through.
Keith brought a fresh energy to the Parish Council. With his agricultural background he offered his vast knowledge from the lie of the land to trees and hedgerows to fencing, family history and his experience of growing up in Smarden.
Keith’s appointed responsibility at the Parish Council was The Minnis and Cornes Meadow.
Everyone will agree that our public green space has never looked better. But Keith also had a calling to serve the young people of Smarden. Keith spent his childhood as a member of the Smarden Youth Club. In later years, Keith became a major supporter of the Youth Club with his wife Jo. Together, they dedicated much time to the club where activities, games and outings were the order of the day. Right up until August this year, Keith and Jo organised an outing to Madam Tussauds in London for the children
Keith recognised that today’s young people have different interests and passions from those offered at traditional youth clubs of the past. He therefore, set out as a Councillor, to embrace the wishes of today’s youngsters and re-model the Youth Club building into a community hub that we can all enjoy for sport, leisure and well-being.
Outside the Parish Council, Keith was an active member of the Smarden Spectacular, The Tractor Rally and the Smarden Christmas Lights. He also spent much time fundraising for charities across the county.
Keith will be sorely missed by so many. The Parish Council offers its sincere condolences and support to Jo, Jared and Caleb.
Playground Constulation
Please pop down to the Sports Pavilion on Saturday 19th November between 10am to 12.30pm for our open playground consultation. Come to have a look at what the plans are for upgrading the space and share your opinions with us. We look forward to seeing you!
A Winter Letter to Parishes from Kent County Council Highways
Dear All
We are now entering the winter period for 2022-23 and we would like to take this opportunity to remind you about KCC Highways & Transportation’s winter service provisions.
Please take time to visit our website below:
http://www.kent.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/what-we-look-after/winter-service
This section will provide useful information on:
Salt Bins (including locations)
Gritting Routes
How and when we salt the roads
Clearing snow in the community
The latest weather updates
How we deal with rural roads with help from the local farmers
Tips on Winter Driving
Please also have a look at the Direct Gov Snow Code web site below, which you may find has some useful information and hints: https://www.gov.uk/clear-snow-road-path-cycleway
We also work closely with the local farmers and provide them with the necessary equipment in order to clear country lanes and act as extra resources when we are fully mobilised during a snow emergency.
Our website also provides information on all aspects of highway management, such as our tree policy, information on roadworks and planned works, crash and casualty data. It also allows you to report faults online at http://www.kent.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/report-a-problem
Please take great care on the roads this winter
Highways & Transportation will continue to work hard to keep the roads as safe and clear as possible; however, you can also help us in the following ways:
Drive to the conditions of the road at all times, especially during times of rain, ice and snow
If we do get snow on the roads, please don’t make any non-essential journeys
Thank you for taking time to read this information.
The Ashford Team
Kent County Council Highways & Transportation
Warm Spaces
From Monday 7th November the Smarden Good Neighbour Scheme in conjunction with The Charter Hall will be offering a warm space with tea & coffee, soup & roll from 12- 2pm every Monday and Wednesday. With the cost of living and energy bills rising, we as a community organisation would like to offer a little support to those who need it.
As well as keeping warm it will be an opportunity to socialise with others in the Village
The service is free but those who wish to make a small donation are welcome to. Indeed if anyone would like to volunteer to help deliver this service please contact Teresa Johnson 07990 523777 all volunteers will be very welcome.
Sincere apologies
Dear all our subscribers,
Sincere apologies over the influx of emails, there was a glitch in the system which has now been sorted
Kind regards
SPC
Smarden Spectacular!
WI Christmas Fair
Competition Deadline
Competition Time!
Road Closure
Please be aware that two new pumps are due to be installed at Hartnup Green tomorrow and for about two days afterwards so, there may be a road closure of Water Lane for part of this week by Hartnup House. We apologise for any inconvenience but, the new pumps will be essential for the village when we get significant wet weather.
Road Closure Advance Warning
Temporary Road Closure - Pluckley Road, Smarden - 24th October 2022 for 5 Days, between 07:30 hours and 17:30 hours
It will be necessary to close part of Pluckley Road, Smarden from 24th October 2022 with estimated completion by 28th October 2022.
Pluckley Road, Smarden will be closed between Chessenden Lane and Brenton House, to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site.
The alternative route is Pluckley Road, The Street, Cage Lane, Bethersden Road, Romden Road and vice versa.
The closure is required for the safety of the public and workforce while resurfacing works are undertaken by Kingsheath Construction Ltd.
The Kent County Council Highways Helpline phone number is: 03000 418181.
For the most up to date information on these works please visit: https://one.network/?tm=130390963
For information regarding this closure please contact Kingsheath Construction Ltd on 01634 389665, who will be able to assist with the scope of these works.
Public Screening of the Funeral in the Charter Hall
Smarden Parish Council will be hosting a public viewing of the funeral for
Her Royal Highness,
Queen Elizabeth II
Join with us, together, on
Monday 19th September 2022
in the Charter Hall to watch the service and unite in our sadness and express thanks to a life dedicated to service.
Refreshments available.
Queen Elizabeth II (1926 - 2022)
Smarden Parish Council express their sincere sadness and condolences for the death of her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II. May she rest in peace.
Update on the cancellation of the Bus Services
Smarden Parish Council are pleased to announce an update regarding the stopping of the bus services planned in October. We have been advised by Cllr Simkins that the plan to reduce services has been referred back to Cabinet and the full Council. This means that the cuts will definitely not be made in the autumn and in any event, it is unlikely they will happen this side of Christmas.
In addition to this, Egerton, Pluckley and Smarden Parish Council are working together on some form of Community Transport should the cuts continue to go ahead in the New Year. We will update once we hear anything further.
Planning Meeting Cancelled
Please be aware the Planning Meeting tonight has been cancelled due to a lack of planning applications. The next meeting is Monday 12th September
How to Submit a planning comment
Please find attached a pdf showing how to add a planning comment on the new ABC planning portal.
Smarden Beer Festival
SPA hosts the Annual Smarden Beer Festival, held at the Flying Horse pub. Starts Friday 5th at 6pm
Public Right of Way Upgrade
Smarden Parish Council are pleased to announce Highways Public Right of Way Team will be completing levelling and surfacing works on the public right of way, AW191 during the first week of August. This is the public way which runs between The Street and onto Cornes Meadow and the aim is to make it safe for all users.
The path will be closed during this time, with diggers and construction work taking place around the path but we are hoping this will make the access usable again.
Bethersden Road Closure
Kent County Council gives notice that Bethersden Road, Smarden will be closed to
through traffic, on or after 12th July 2022 for up to 4 days.
The road is closed at outside Hamden Grange Cottage.
The alternative route is via Biddenden Road, The Cut, Smarden Road, Headcorn Road,
North Street, Tenterden Road, Biddenden Road, Ashford Road, Bull Lane, Smarden
Road, and Bethersden Road.
This closure has been necessary to enable water mains repairs to be carried out by
South East Water.
Upgrading the Water Pumps
Southern Water have planned roadworks on 11th and 12th July to complete essential works. It looks like a three way traffic light, between Water Lane, Cage Lane and The Street.
They will be removing one of the old water pumps and its entire frame/ body on the 12th, this requires a crane as well as 7 ½ ton lorry to do so. They are taking the old pump away to remodel, then replace in Aug/Sept, ready for Autumn. Having campaigned for the replacement and upgrading of these old pumps the Parish Council are very pleased this work is finally going ahead.
They hope to re-open the road before the afternoon traffic on the 12th.
Please plan extra time.
No planning meeting tonight.
The Planning meeting tonight is not going ahead due to a lack of applications.
Drop In Meet and Greet!
The Parish Council will be hosting a drop in, meet and greet session in the Charter Hall, on Sunday 19th June as part of the Taste of Smarden. Come and enjoy a complimentary glass of Pimm's and a delicious cake, while your children let off some steam on the bouncy castle. Learn about what the PC does for the village, how they operate and hear some of the achievements they have accomplished. If you also have an issue you would like to discuss, please feel free to do so, and Cllr Ken Mulholland from Ashford Borough Council will also be in attendance.
Time: 10 - 2.
Children refreshment is also provided.
We hope to see you there.
Bin Collection Dates
Village Meeting Monday 15th November 2021
Smarden Parish Council are hosting an informal meeting to get to know your council and express your views on current topics.
Come and join us for drinks and nibbles from 7.30 p.m at the Smarden Charter Hall with the meeting to officially start at 8.00 p.m.
Topic to be covered:
Chairman’s Welcome
Playground Update
Replacement of the Tennis Court (MUGA)
Youth Building Discussion
Meet your council
Queen’s Jubilee
Q and A Section
October Parish Calendar
The October Parish Calendar is now available on our website
Smardenparishcouncil.gov.uk
For more information on any of the activities, please check our "Who's Who" section or contact the Clerk: clerk@smardenparshcouncil.gov.uk
If you have an event or organisation you wish to include, please also email the Clerk.
Planning Applicants on Bethersden Road
Smarden Parish Council has received a number of residents’ enquiries about two recently submitted planning applications on Bethersden Road.
The Parish Council will be discussing these applications at our next Parish Council meeting on Monday 13th September at 7pm in the Charter Hall. Parishioners are welcome to attend.
If any residents feel that they would like to submit their own comments, either for or against these applications, they may do so via the Ashford Borough Council Planning Portal.
Parish Council News - August 2021
The Parish Council are pleased to announce their new email addresses. All members of the Parish Council have new email addresses, which follow the same format as the old ones, except finish .gov.uk, so first initialsurname@Smardenparishcouncil.gov.uk (jaylott@smardenparishcouncil.gov.uk). The Parish Council are also launching a new website, having taken your comments on board. This is due to launch 1st September at www.smardenparishcouncil.gov.uk.
The broken Gateway leading into Smarden is scheduled to be fixed on 19th August.
The pond inside Beult Meadow is due to be fenced off to improve safety and tidy up the area.
The hedge next to the playground is scheduled to be fenced in the next week or so. Further announcements will be made as to the timings but please be aware that end of the Minnis and possibly the Playground may need to be briefly closed to ensure safety.
Fencing of the ditch by the Sports Pavilion and the pond on Cornes Meadow is also planned.
Playground
Our annual safety inspection took place in July, so please be mindful we will need to shut the playground while essential maintenance is carried out. Further update on this to follow. This includes the skate park.
The skate park is in need of further improvements, which will require serious investment from the Parish Council. Is this facility of value to the community, or would you like to see something else there instead?
Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
Smarden Parish Council discussed holding a village event to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. As advised, on Sunday 5th June 2022 it is hoped for a “Big Lunch” to be held on the Minnis. We are asking for any groups or organisations to please get involved as we hope to make it a really fabulous event!
Footpaths
There have been continued concerns around footpaths being overgrown and impassable. If you are responsible for a footpath, please ensure it is clear. You can report overgrown footpaths at https://www.kent.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/report-a-problem
