Making a difference to the people of Medway
Conservative councillors announce a budget for all
Press release posted on Friday, 26 February 2010
“A budget that will benefit everyone in Medway” was how last night’s budget announcement (Thursday 25th February 2010) was described, with residents set to gain from the lowest council tax increase in Medway Council’s history.
With a 2.455% increase, Medway Council will continue to have the lowest council tax around, £125 less than the average across Kent. Read more...
Deputy Leader Alan Jarrett: Face up to reality of the price of worthiness
Article posted on Friday, 19 February 2010
The complexities of budget setting will – understandably – pass most people by, but over the next few weeks Medway Council will be deciding how best to juggle its finances over the next year.
The task gets more difficult with each passing year, but is one your elected representatives have to get to grips with. This has to be done against a rising tide of expectations from the public, mostly because this current government continues to give the impression that we can have more and more and continue to pay less and less. Read more...
Letter to the Times on the Personal Care at Home Bill
Letter posted on Thursday, 11 February 2010
Sir, I would echo the concerns raised by my fellow councillors who are responsible for adult social care in England (The Times, letter, Feb 10). While it is important to improve services for the elderly where we can, this Bill ignores the financial realities that local authorities are currently facing. Forcing already hard-stretched councils to find further “efficiency savings” to fund care at home will only lead to an erosion of other key services.
Here in Medway, we believe that these proposals will cost up to £5.2 million every year, which amounts to an additional increase of 6 per cent on local council tax bills. The only alternative left is to make cuts. Read more...
Henley Close play area to be improved thanks to Rainham councillors
Press release posted on Tuesday, 9 February 2010
Rainham Central councillors Barry Kemp, Rehman Chishti and Mike O'Brien are pleased to announce that they have successfully obtained funding of £32,400 for the complete refurbishment of the Henley Close play area.
The money will be used to install, amongst other things, modern cradle swings, Wicksteed Quad Rider and Tom Thumb. Read more...
Age Concern centre gets a boost thanks to Conservative councillors
Press release posted on Tuesday, 2 February 2010
Visitors to the new Age Concern centre in Princes Park will benefit from improved facilities thanks to local Conservative councillors.
Cllrs Matt Bright and Pat Gulvin have given £2000 from their ward improvement funds to help provide new equipment for the centre in Hopewell Drive, which will open in March. Read more...
Deputy Leader Alan Jarrett: Opponents would slash spending for passes
Article posted on Friday, 22 January 2010
Last month I wrote about the shortage of money that afflicts Medway Council. Yet to listen to opposition parties during the last council debate, you could be forgiven for thinking we are loaded.
The subject up for debate was a Labour proposal to introduce a Freedom Pass giving free bus travel for children. A laudable enough idea, if only it were affordable – with a projected cost of at least £3 million a year. Read more...
Shock Labour calls to end yellow bus scheme
Press release posted on Wednesday, 20 January 2010
Conservative councillors have expressed shock at Labour’s surprise call for yellow buses to be scrapped from Medway’s schools.
The popular scheme was introduced in 2003 by the Conservative Medway Council and now serves eight schools across the community. Read more...
Cllr David Wildey: Support the Place2Be in the Christmas appeal
Letter posted on Wednesday, 23 December 2009
Sir, I commend the decision by the Times newspaper to include The Place2Be in their Christmas Charity Appeal this year.
Schools in Medway have benefited significantly through this scheme – indeed the Times has reported on the important contribution the programme has made in both the Glencoe Junior and St Mary’s Catholic Schools. Read more...
Councillors welcome Book of Remembrance to Luton Library
Press release posted on Monday, 21 December 2009
Local councillors joined war veterans on Saturday (12 December 2009) to welcome the addition of a Book of Remembrance to Luton Library.
The Book of Remembrance, for those who died in the World Wars, was previously kept in Christ Church Luton, but will now go on public display in the library. Read more...
Deputy Leader Alan Jarrett: For efficiency savings, read job losses
Article posted on Friday, 18 December 2009
So another pre-budget statement has come and gone, and most of us are going to be worse off again.
National Insurance is going up again, but there are a host of other measures that will see people suffering financially as never before. Everything points to a bleak 2010. Read more...
Cllr Howard Doe: City status for Medway would put us on the map
Letter posted on Thursday, 17 December 2009
Sir, Medway is worthy of city status and 2012 would be the ideal time for our community to receive the recognition it so rightly deserves. In fact we have great expectations for 2012 in Medway.
2012 will be a year of celebration. It is Charles Dickens’s bicentenary and with our historic ties to that great Victorian writer, we will certainly mark the occasion. Read more...
Labour government cuts another £4.3m from Medway Council’s budget through floor damping, making it £24m since 2006
Press release posted on Monday, 14 December 2009
Medway Council is yet again facing a swingeing cut to its budget for next year.
According to the Local Government Settlement, the Labour government is to take £4.3m from Medway under the floor damping mechanism. Read more...
Deputy Leader Alan Jarrett: Car park charges freeze with warm wishes
Article posted on Friday, 20 November 2009
Difficult times call for difficult decisions to be made, and in the budget for 2009/2010 that is exactly what the Conservatives decided to do.
In constructing the budget we had to decide how to help the hard-pressed people of Medway in the face of Labour's devastating economic policies that have taken Britain into the deepest recession in living memory. Read more...
Cllr Jane Chitty: Measures to beat the recession
Letter posted on Friday, 20 November 2009
Sir, as our country continues to suffer from the longest recession since records began, we are doing what we can in a targeted fashion to help residents and businesses affected by the economic downturn here in Medway.
This month we officially opened our new flagship Employ Medway Advice Centre, located in Chatham High Street, which provides free information and advice to those who have found themselves recently unemployed or are facing redundancy. Read more...
No to estuary airport
Article posted on Tuesday, 17 November 2009
The Mayor of London has a grim vision for Kent and Medway. Seemingly, he wants to blight the area with 24-hour flights, increased noise and air pollution and by destroying some of the UK's most important wildlife reserves. It is a vision I want to ensure doesn't become a reality. Read more...
Rainham clock to be restored thanks to Conservative councillors
Press release posted on Wednesday, 4 November 2009
The 1953 Coronation clock in Rainham High Street is to tick again thanks to local Conservative councillors.
Conservatives from Rainham North and Rainham Central wards have clubbed together to give £3000 towards the restoration of the clock. Read more...
Deputy Leader Alan Jarrett: All aspects of our culture prove popular
Article posted on Friday, 23 October 2009
Medway Council strategy documents are often cumbersome and dull to read, and sometimes it is even difficult to relate them to delivering services across Medway. Not so the recently published Cultural Strategy.
It was packed with information and it is not until all this information is assembled in one document that there is a clear understanding of just what Medway Council provides. Read more...
Cllr Mike O'Brien: join us in Chatham to engage on health issues
Letter posted on Friday, 23 October 2009
Sir, in August we conducted an innovative experiment with Medway Council’s health committee and held the meeting in the community rather than in the normal council chamber – a first for Medway.
Thanks to this, thirty or more people that came along to put their questions to health officials and listen to the debate on issues such as the potential health implications of phone masts and the preparedness of Medway’s health services for the winter, especially in light of Swine Flu. Read more...
Stop the Estuary Airport
News posted on Monday, 19 October 2009
Medway’s Conservative Group is urging people to join the campaign against the proposed Thames Estuary Airport.
Medway Council, Kent County Council and the RSPB have launched an online petition and residents can make their views known by visiting www.stopestuaryairport.co.uk Read more...
Holding Scrutiny Meetings in Public
Article posted on Tuesday, 29 September 2009
One of the long-standing debates in local government is how to engage the public in the work we, as councillors, are doing. Recently you considered whether elected members should be holding public meetings in their wards and the mixed reaction, and attendance, they received. Read more...
Deputy Leader Alan Jarrett: School budget cuts should fill us with dread
Article posted on Friday, 25 September 2009
The central theme of recent debates, with accusation and counter-accusation flying, has been education.
Medway Council is being forced by government to reorganise education in a variety of areas, even though those opposed to the Conservative administration have said otherwise. Read more...
Tashi Bhutia is new councillor for Luton and Wayfield
News posted on Friday, 4 September 2009
Conservative Group leader Rodney Chambers welcomes Medway’s newest Councillor, Tashi Bhutia, to Medway Council.
Tashi, who was in the Brigade of Gurkhas, resoundingly won the Luton and Wayfield by-election on 3rd September, increasing the Conservatives on Medway Council to 34. Read more...
Deputy Leader Alan Jarrett: Election excitement rather unexpected
Article posted on Friday, 28 August 2009
Happily for me, in Medway we have a Conservative majority. Whatever your politics this has advantages over the days when no party had a majority.
There is the certainty that once leading politicians have decided on a course of action then it can be followed through. Read more...
Success for health meeting in the community
Press release posted on Friday, 21 August 2009
More than 30 local residents turned up to speak and listen last night (20 August 2009) at the first Health Committee meeting to be held in the community.
Instead of its usual venue at Medway Council’s Gun Wharf building, the meeting was held at Rainham Mark Social Club. It is hoped to emulate this success with future meetings across Medway. Read more...
Cllr Mike O'Brien: Join us to engage on health issues
Letter posted on Wednesday, 12 August 2009
Since being appointed as chairman of the health and adult social care overview and scrutiny committee, it has been our endeavour to raise the profile of health in Medway.
To this end, it has been agreed to hold the next meeting at the Rainham Mark Social Club on Thursday, August 20, at 6pm. Read more...
Council passes Conservative four-point plan to fight mobile phone mast near school
Press release posted on Friday, 31 July 2009
Plans to step up the campaign against a mobile phone mast in Railway Street Gillingham received unanimous support at last night’s meeting of Medway Council (Thursday 30 July 2009).
Despite objections from Medway Council, a new 3G mast has been installed next to St Mary’s RC School in Greenfield Road. Read more...
Deputy Leader Alan Jarrett: Underfunded - but still bossed around
Article posted on Friday, 31 July 2009
One of the things the Conservative administration did some years ago was to reduce the amount we spend on attending national conferences and seminars. This was done purely on the basis of ensuring we get value for council taxpayers’ money.
Now, a mere handful of conferences are funded each year, and one of the most important and valuable is the Local Government Conference. Read more...
Cllr David Brake: Congratulations for a successful Try Angle Awards
Letter posted on Friday, 17 July 2009
Sir, having been present and seen first hand the result of hard work and enthusiasm by young people in organising the Medway Try Angle Awards event, I write to congratulate the Medway Youth Parliament for a good job, well done.
The event, designed to celebrate the efforts and achievements of young people in Medway was a mix of award presentations to young achievers in Medway and entertainment put together by young people. Singing, dancing, rapping and comedy were on offer to an appreciative audience. Our hosts, Heather Calveley and Gamal Toseafa deserve a special mention as they held the evening together like true professionals and were never short of the occasional adlib to keep the show on the road. Read more...
Cllr Les Wicks: Labour are more concerned with scoring points than the children's future
Letter posted on Friday, 10 July 2009
Sir, recently the Labour group have suggested that Medway Council is proposing to close schools so that money can be used “in Tory heartland areas on pet Tory projects” – but yet they provide no evidence to support such a spurious accusation.
On the contrary, there is ample evidence that the government’s Primary Capital Programme for Medway, which the Labour group has so far opposed and attempted to undermine at every turn, proposes to impartially invest in schools which are in need of refurbishment. Many of these schools are in areas that are not represented by Conservative councillors. Read more...
Conservatives praise new waste contract for commitment to weekly collection. Labour and Liberals oppose resident choice over wheelie bins
Press release posted on Wednesday, 8 July 2009
Residents in Medway will continue to receive a weekly bin collection, thanks to their Conservative Council.
Householders were also promised a choice over wheelie bins – a move which was bitterly opposed by Liberal and Labour councillors. Read more...
Deputy Leader Alan Jarrett: Investment will benefit all who live here
Article posted on Friday, 3 July 2009
Medway Council has been working for several years on how to Put Medway On The Map. There are big benefits to be gained from this wider recognition of Medway as a place, and these are often on a scale that would not be easily achieved by one of five towns.
Big companies expect to invest in and around major cities - cities which can cater for all their needs. Here in Medway we can provide the infrastructure and facilities, both physical and social, that are necessary to attract big investors. Read more...
Scouts do a good turn in the community
Press release posted on Friday, 3 July 2009
Walderslade based Beavers, Cubs and Scouts supported by Leaders, Parents and Adult Helpers turned out in force at the weekend to do a good turn in the community.
Sarah Horne, Group Scout Leader of 41st Medway Towns Scout Group picked up on the idea from the young members and immediately sought help by contacting David Brake the Walderslade Ward Conservative Councillor, himself involved in Medway Towns scouting. Councillor Brake spoke with Medway Council and requested permission for the scouts to plant new plants and flowers in Walderslade Village. Read more...
Conservatives will fight again to protect Capstone Valley and other green sites
Press release posted on Wednesday, 24 June 2009
Medway’s Conservative Cabinet have promised to vehemently oppose the development of Capstone Valley and other areas, after being forced to include them as options in a consultation.
Government legislation has forced Medway Council to include housing developments in the consultation on the Local Development Framework, even if they have already been rejected. Read more...
Labour group would threaten every school with closure as their attempt to derail consultation with primary schools fails
Press release posted on Friday, 19 June 2009
Residents will be allowed to continue to express their views on proposed changes to Medway’s primary schools, despite the Labour group’s attempt to stifle discussions.
The Labour group attempted to derail a consultation on primary school changes at a meeting of Medway Council (18th June) with a motion demanding that the council stops consulting parents, pupils and teachers. This was defeated by Conservative councillors. Read more...
Labour group threatens £30m investment in Medway’s schools
Press release posted on Wednesday, 17 June 2009
Medway Labour group’s attempt to derail the proposed changes to primary education could threaten up to £30 million of investment in Medway’s schools.
Labour councillors have, at every turn, opposed changes to primary schools in Medway, without suggesting any alternative solutions to address surplus places – an issue that their own Labour government demands that the council deals with under their Primary Strategy for Change. Read more...
Footpath improved thanks to Conservative campaign
Press release posted on Monday, 15 June 2009
Improvements have been made to the footpath between Lordswood lane and Emily road after a campaign by local Conservative councillors.
Councillors for Princes Park Matt Bright and Pat Gulvin have had new anti- motorcycle barriers installed and the path re-surfaced after Medway Council got permission to reclassify it as a path instead of a bridleway. Read more...
Deputy Leader Alan Jarrett: Government policy drives our decisions
Article posted on Friday, 5 June 2009
Change is one of the challenges with which politicians are faced. The Conservative administration in Medway has been confronted by difficult options many times since 2000, but on each occasion the promised benefits have been realised.
Three of the most difficult challenges that come to mind are the changes we have made to how our care homes have been set up and managed, the introduction of academy schools and, most recently, the consultation on primary strategy for change. Read more...
Celebrations in Cliffe as play area is set to be improved
Press release posted on Friday, 29 May 2009
Campaigners in Cliffe are celebrating after their local play area was earmarked for improvement under a new scheme administered by Medway Council.
Local councillor Les Wicks has been campaigning with the local Cliffe Children’s Committee to improve the local play area with new facilities that cater for a wide age range. Read more...
Cllr Les Wicks: Labour minister opposes his own government's education policies
Letter posted on Thursday, 28 May 2009
Sir, I am mystified by the hypocritical stance the local MP for Chatham and Aylesford has taken by opposing the proposed changes to Medway’s primary schools. It is his government, in which he is a Junior Minister, which is pressing Medway Council to make such changes under the Primary Capital Programme; a policy that the government is using to make “efficiency savings” through the removal of surplus places in schools. His fellow Ministers have set themselves targets to make cuts to save £144 million from the DCSF’s budget by taking action in schools where there are more than 25 percent of empty places. These are the guidelines that we’ve followed here in Medway. Surely the Minister is not opposing his own government’s policies?
The MP has also told us, at a meeting with the Leader of Medway Council, that he and his government expect the primary changes to be bold. Yet here he is opposing bold changes when they are proposed. He accuses Medway Council of ignoring public opinion, but it is his fellow Labour councillors who have hindered plans to discuss the proposals with concerned parents, pupils and teachers by calling in the decision to go out to consultation – another part of the guidance given to us by the Labour government. Read more...
Conservatives launch recession guide on new website
Press release posted on Tuesday, 26 May 2009
Help is on hand for residents wanting to know what Medway Council can do for them to beat the recession.
Medway’s Conservative Group have created an easy access guide to the Council’s services which can be found on their brand new website at www.medwayconservativegroup.co.uk/recession.php Read more...
Cllr Howard Doe: Medway's allotments are safe under Conservatives
Letter posted on Wednesday, 13 May 2009
Sir, there is no better way to save money than to grow your own fruit and vegetables and it will come as no surprise that the current recession has spurred an interest in allotments; here in Medway they are extremely popular. Allotments are a great way for residents to enjoy the outdoors, to combine leisure and health pursuits and are vital urban greenspaces which need protecting.
Some have speculated that the council intends to re-develop allotment sites, especially the site between Mill Road and Prince Arthur Road. I can reassure residents that we have no plans to do so and that Medway Council’s commitment to the retention of allotments has never been greater. Read more...
Labour government criticised for pressing councils to hold street parties
Press release posted on Wednesday, 13 May 2009
Medway Council has been asked to organise summer street parties by the Labour government only weeks after the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced that the country was suffering the worst recession since the Second World War.
Labour’s Local Government Minister John Healey has written to councils asking them to organise street parties, roadside music, entertainment and al fresco dining as part of the Big Lunch in July - without providing any extra funding to help meet the costs. Read more...
Deputy Leader Cllr Alan Jarrett: Government's lack of joined-up thinking
Article posted on Friday, 8 May 2009
Government policies seem contradictory. Two that come to mind are education and housing.
Remember that Labour came to power promising "education, education, education" as its three priorities, it becomes hard to reconcile that with what is happening here in Medway. Read more...
Outrage over local MPs vote against Gurkha rights
Press release posted on Thursday, 30 April 2009
Leader of the Conservative Group on Medway Council has express sadness that two of Medway’s MPs voted against calls for new Gurkha rights.
On Wednesday 29th April, Parliament passed a motion calling on the government to review their decision which currently only allows Gurkhas with 20 years service to stay in the UK - a policy which permits only a small minority of Gurkhas who have fought for the United Kingdom to stay here. Read more...
Cllr Les Wicks: Shame on Labour for school leak
Letter posted on Thursday, 30 April 2009
Sir, I am appalled by the behaviour of opposition politicians in Medway, who this week leaked confidential information about proposed primary school changes before Medway Council had an opportunity to tell parents, pupils and teachers. Clearly Labour councillors don’t understand that making changes to our primary system is a painful process for everyone and has to be dealt with sensitively. Where is their concern for children?
We are proposing to make changes to 19 of Medway’s primary schools because the government requires us take action in schools where there are more than 25 percent of empty places. We have followed exactly the guidelines given to us by the Labour government, which says that we must reorganise primary provision and amalgamate or close schools were there are surplus places. There is no secrecy, only confidentiality, (which is quite different) and is maintained to protect pupils and staff. Now that we have the Department for Children, Schools and Families agreement, everyone interested in the proposals, including current and future parents, have the opportunity to express their views in the forthcoming consultation. Read more...
Labour group accuses BBC of misleading over leaking of primary school proposals
Press release posted on Wednesday, 29 April 2009
The Medway Conservative group today calls on Medway’s Labour group to come clean about their involvement in the leaking of confidential reports on proposed changes to Medway’s primary schools.
This comes as the Labour group’s spokesman denies passing the reports to the BBC, even though the impartial BBC have reported on TV, Radio and on their Website that it was “leaked by opposition Labour Councillors”. Read more...
Labour Group plays politics with children’s future by leaking confidential list of school changes
Press release posted on Tuesday, 28 April 2009
The Medway Conservative group today deplores the latest despicable act by members of Medway’s Labour group which last night leaked confidential details of proposed changes to primary schools in Medway - changes that their own Labour government is demanding that Medway makes.
Such a move was designed to pre-empt Medway Council’s own announcements, which was planned once schools, parents and pupils were made fully aware of the real proposed changes. This is because the Conservative group believes that parents should hear accurate information first rather than through rumour and hearsay spread for political ends. Read more...
Labour Government puts 150 Medway sixth form places at risk through £¾ million cut in funding
Press release posted on Thursday, 16 April 2009
At least 150 places at Medway’s sixth forms have been put in jeopardy following the Learning Skills Councils (LSC) appalling handling of post 16 school funding.
The LSC, a flagship Labour government quango, has recently announced a surprising and swingeing cut to the budgets of Medway’s sixth forms of more than £750,000. Funds previously allocated by the LSC have now been suddenly reduced by hundreds of thousands of pounds. Read more...
Deputy Leader Cllr Alan Jarrett: Busy summer of festivals, despite downturn
Article posted on Friday, 10 April 2009
Once the clocks have gone forward and the evenings begin to become lighter, we all want to start to get out of the house and enjoy ourselves.
One of the big challenges for the Conservative administration here in Medway has been how to maintain the big programme of events we have historically held. Read more...
Cllr Alan Jarrett: Free days to give a boost to our shops
Letter posted on Wednesday, 1 April 2009
I refer to the letter in last week's Your Medway ('Free parking will boost economy', 25th March 2009).
Your correspondent is exactly right about the boost this scheme will give to both Medway's economy and our residents who are being battered by this government's cruel recession. Read more...
Deputy Leader Cllr Alan Jarrett: How could anyone oppose budget plans?
Article posted on Friday, 13 March 2009
Two big words came to the fore at the recent council meeting taht determined Medway's budget for the coming year. Those words were "against" and "abstain" and were sadly used by opposition politicans in an attempt to derail the Conservative budget.
Perhaps all is fair in love, war and politics, but in proposing a budget that was so good for Medway in all respects I was understandably shocked at the reaction of opposition politicians. Read more...
Medway Conservatives step up campaign against floating airport, Labour refuse to support plans to take immediate action
Press release posted on Friday, 6 March 2009
Conservative Councillors are ready to intensify their fight to protect Medway from a floating airport, as plans for a full-blown campaign received support last night (5 March 2009) at a meeting of Medway Council.
The construction of an airport in the Thames Estuary has been mooted by the Mayor of London and supported by a parliamentary group chaired by Labour MP Nick Raynsford as an alternative to the expansion of Heathrow. Read more...
Cllr Mike O'Brien: Free parking at Christmas thanks to Medway's Conservatives
Letter posted on Friday, 6 March 2009
Sir, amongst the many excellent initiatives announced at Medway’s budget meeting by the Conservative group (26 February 09) I was particularly pleased that Deputy Leader Cllr Alan Jarrett introduced a freeze on car parking charges for three years and is pioneering free parking on the run up to Christmas. I have been campaigning on these issues for some time because I believe that in this tough economic climate we need to do what we can to encourage people to visit our five town centres.
Medway’s car parking charges are already one of the lowest in Kent and these measures will ensure that they remain so for the foreseeable future and will have huge benefits for Medway’s motorists, shoppers and retailers. Read more...
Bus concession shortfall continues as Minister offers no solution to funding problem
Press release posted on Tuesday, 24 February 2009
Medway and other areas in the South East are to continue to face shortfalls for bus concessions, as Transport Minister refuses to acknowledge there is a problem with funding.
In an interview on the Politics Show (22 February 2009), Under-Secretary for Transport Paul Clark MP insisted that there is enough funding within the country to pay for the scheme, yet could not explain why councils across the South East continue to struggle to pay for it. Read more...
Medway Conservative councillors to grill health chiefs over hospital admission problems
Press release posted on Tuesday, 24 February 2009
Conservative councillors on Medway Council are to seek answers from health officials about the recent admission issues at Medway Maritime Hospital.
It has been reported that problems at the hospital over the winter meant that ambulances were forced to queue and patients had to wait hours for treatment at the Accident and Emergency department. Read more...
Award winning local journalist honoured by Medway’s Cabinet
News posted on Tuesday, 17 February 2009
In recognition of his recent crowning as Kent Journalist of the Year and for his dedication to local politics, Medway Council’s Cabinet presented the local government reporter Alan Watkins with their highest honour. Read more...
Deputy Leader Cllr Alan Jarrett: Council tax payers not bitten by the crunch
Article posted on Friday, 13 February 2009
This week Medway Council published its budget proposals, and despite the current economic downturn it represents good news all round. Top of the list is the fact that Medway retains the cheapest council tax in Kent by an average of £130 a year.
This is no mean achievement when we consider that under the government settlement we have lost £4.8 million in the so-called damping. Our increase in council tax will yield £4.4 million - so we are going backwards. Read more...
Medway Conservatives maintain lowest council tax in Kent and campaign for better settlement for the council
Press release posted on Thursday, 12 February 2009
Residents in Medway are to continue to pay the lowest council tax in Kent thanks to their Conservative Council.
Medway Council has announced just over £1 a week increase to the average council tax bill. This means that a Band D household in Medway will pay £1,093.50 a year from April. In some parts of Kent, residents will have to pay over £1,300 a year. Read more...
Peninsula Conservative Councillors: Floating airport must be stopped
Letter posted on Thursday, 5 February 2009
Sir, it is time that we made a stand against these ridiculous proposals for a floating airport just off the Hoo Peninsula in the Thames Estuary. Just as we led the fight and defeated the government over their plans for an airport at Cliffe six years ago, so too will we defeat this ill-starred scheme.
An airport in the Estuary is not feasible, not required and certainly not wanted. Such an idea should be abandoned for all the economic, environmental, political and practical reasons which stand against it. The significant threat of bird strikes and the possibility of an incident similar to the recent Hudson river accident demonstrate why this is a non-starter and everyone except Boris Johnson knows that it should never have been floated. Read more...
Bid to prevent evictions, Monday Messenger
News posted on Monday, 2 February 2009
TORY politicians in Medway are considering a plan to keep people facing eviction from mortgaged properties in their own homes.
Medway Council's leader Cllr Rodney Chambers says homes could be leased back to residents struggling to make payments. Read more...
Labour short changes Medway to the tune of £5 million whilst others get increases of more than £50 million
Press release posted on Tuesday, 27 January 2009
The Labour government have confirmed that they will be cutting an astonishing 5.6 percent of Medway’s funding this year, which represents nearly £5 million, whilst other councils, such as Wandsworth, will get an increase of more than £50 million.
This means that for every person living in Medway the Brown government is taking more than £18 - enough for every single resident to go and see Joe Swash in Cinderella for free. Read more...
Conservatives pass motion calling on the government to re-open post offices in Medway
Press release posted on Monday, 19 January 2009
The closure of Medway’s post offices is depriving the community of a vital service and the government should re-open them, according to local Conservatives.
At a full meeting of Medway Council on Thursday, (15 January) local Conservative councillors passed a motion to call on the government to restore the post office network in Medway and to re-open sub post offices in areas where they have closed. Read more...
Deputy Leader Cllr Alan Jarrett: Don't despair - we have an exciting future
Article posted on Friday, 16 January 2009
The Medway Messenger editorial on January 2 summed up what many of us believe about Medway when it said: "The economy may be in freefall but the future is bright in Medway." How very true that is.
That was written in the context of the successful regeneration that is changing the face of Medway for ever. But there are many other examples of change for the better. Read more...
Council congratulates children for best ever results
Press release posted on Friday, 16 January 2009
Cross party support was reached for a Conservative motion congratulating Medway’s young people for achieving the best ever exam results.
Exam results announced on Thursday (15 January) revealed that 66 percent of Medway’s pupils had received five A*-C grades at GCSE compared to 64 percent in 2007. This was above the national average of 65 percent. Read more...
Joint letter to the Guardian from Cllr Paul Carter and Cllr Rodney Chambers on the Thames Estuary Airport
Letter posted on Friday, 16 January 2009
Kent county council and Medway council are absolutely against a Thames estuary airport (Heathrow expansion, 12 January). We do not need to resort to this costly and environmentally damaging option. We believe that the priority should be to make more efficient use of existing airport infrastructure. For example, in the south-east, Kent International airport at Manston near Margate has an appetite for significant expansion and could handle an extra 6 million passenger movements a year, which would boost the local economy in an area of high deprivation. The commencement of high-speed domestic rail services between Ramsgate, Medway and London at the end of 2009 will dramatically reduce travel times to and from the capital, making KIA a much more attractive option.
Cllr Paul Carter Read more...
Conservative councillor announces a multi-million pound cash boost for Medway’s roads
Press release posted on Wednesday, 14 January 2009
Conservative Portfolio Holder for Front Line Services cllr Phil Filmer told Medway Council’s Regeneration Committee last night (Tuesday 13 January 2009) that the council plans to invest an additional £4 million improving Medway’s roads during the next two years.
Medway Council is responsible for 600 miles of road and about 1200 miles of pavements. In 2008 the council filled more than 1000 potholes, resurfaced 215 pavements and 200 barriers were repaired. Read more...
Medway Conservative Councillors to scrutinise admission problems at Medway Hospital
Press release posted on Wednesday, 7 January 2009
The recent admissions problems at Medway Maritime Hospital, which saw ambulances queuing at the hospital, is to be scrutinised by Conservative Councillors on Medway Council.
Chairman of the Health Committee Cllr David Brake has asked for the subject to be included at next week’s meeting (14th January 2009) so that members can ask questions about why this has happened and what can be done to stop it happening in the future. Read more...
Labour government cuts £5 million from Medway Council’s budget through floor damping
Press release posted on Tuesday, 23 December 2008
The Labour government has decided that Medway Council is to have its funding cut by almost £5 million. Every year the Labour government cuts Medway's funding, making it harder each year to fund the council’s vital services - such as children's services.
In a swingeing cut in funding the government has taken the equivalent of 6.5% in Council Tax from Medway Council, at the same time threatening to cap councils if they raise Council Tax. Read more...
Medway Conservatives slam Labour for their incompetence over the economy, highlight that short term VAT reductions will not help beat the recession and ask for the local MPs to urge the government to rethink their failing strategy
Press release posted on Friday, 19 December 2008
The Conservative Group on Medway Council are astonished by the clear misunderstanding of local Labour MPs and local Labour Councillors about the services the Council provides and are appalled by the Labour government's incompetent handling of the economy.
In a recent Press Release local Labour activists criticised the Council for not passing on the Labour government's recent temporary reduction on VAT. They also clearly demonstrated their ignorance in not knowing which council services are VAT-able and at the same time said that the "council has little in the way of VAT-able services". Read more...
Deputy Leader Cllr Alan Jarrett: Our 6-point pledge to help businesses through the Credit Crunch
Article posted on Friday, 12 December 2008
The Conservative administration on Medway Council are occupied on a daily basis with making improvements in Medway, and this has never been more important than it is in the current economic climate. We are particularly concerned to do all we can to improve prospects for local businesses.
That is why we have launched our 6-point pledge to help businesses beat the Credit Crunch. To help them grow and prosper even in difficult times. Our commitment to local firms is to: Read more...
Medway’s Libraries will become neighbourhood hubs at the heart of the community, according to Cabinet Member Cllr Howard Doe
Press release posted on Wednesday, 10 December 2008
Appearing in front of the Business Support Committee last night (9 December 2008) the Portfolio Holder for Community Services Cllr Howard Doe outlined his vision to transform Medway's Libraries into neighbourhood hubs at the heart of the community.
Cllr Doe told the committee that 21st Century libraries must be flexible and relevant to the changing needs of residents. This is why a new improved management system had been introduced to give customers Amazon like catalogues, and customers have greater flexibility with self-issuing machines and a new library card, which can be used in any library throughout Kent and Medway. Read more...
Cross party support for improvements to Medway’s housing department as Portfolio Holder confirms it’s on the road to recovery
Press release posted on Wednesday, 10 December 2008
Steady progress is being made by Medway’s housing department and it is now on the road to recovery according to the councillor in charge.
Conservative Portfolio Holder for Community Services Cllr Howard Doe appeared in front of the Business Support Overview and Scrutiny Committee last night (9 December 2008) to outline the many improvements that have been made to the housing department in the past six months since the Audit Commission’s report into strategic housing. Read more...
Medway Conservatives launch 6-point pledge to help businesses beat the Credit Crunch
Press release posted on Monday, 8 December 2008
The current economic slowdown is creating a challenging environment for companies across the country and in Medway.
The Conservative Group on Medway Council wants new and existing businesses in Medway to grow and thrive and is doing what we can to support local firms so they can beat the Credit Crunch. Read more...
Shadow Regeneration Minister Stewart Jackson MP visited to explore Medway's regeneration projects
News posted on Monday, 1 December 2008
Leader of Medway Council welcomes changes on empty property tax but asks for further government relief
Press release posted on Wednesday, 26 November 2008
The Leader of Medway Council Cllr Rodney Chambers has welcomed the news that the government has decided to suspend tax on empty properties for a year, but says further action will be needed.
Last week Cllr Chambers wrote to the Chancellor of the Exchequer urging him to review legislation governing the rates paid on empty property, which has been causing problems for developers, property agents and property occupiers in Medway. The government has listened to some of these concerns and in the Pre-Budget Report, the Chancellor announced plans to scrap empty property rates for buildings that pay less than £15,000 in business rates. Read more...
Conservative Leader calls on Medway’s MPs to support post office re-opening campaign
Press release posted on Friday, 21 November 2008
The Leader of the Conservative Group on Medway Council Cllr Rodney Chambers is calling on local MPs to campaign for the reopening of four sub-post offices in Medway after the government announced it was securing the Post Office's financial future.
The government announced last week that the Post Office would keep the card account and continue to provide benefit and pension payments. They had previously planned to award the contract for this service to another provider. Read more...
Deputy Leader Cllr Alan Jarrett: The Future is Bright Despite the Gloom
Article posted on Friday, 14 November 2008
In difficult times it is for politicians to set out a vision for the future, and to reassure people that things will eventually get better. The current economic downturn has slowed the rate of growth and improvement in Medway – but it has not brought things to a halt.
We are in the fortunate position of having a Conservative administration that is driving forward our regeneration programme with determination and enthusiasm. The next phase of that regeneration programme is to provide the infrastructure around which the revitalisation of Medway will continue. Read more...
Conservatives call on government to make sure restaurant and hotel staff are paid properly
Press release posted on Friday, 14 November 2008
Workers in Medway can be reassured they are getting a fair wage thanks to Medway’s Conservative councillors.
At a full meeting of Medway Council on Thursday, (13th November) local Conservative councillors passed a motion to call on the government to make sure staff at restaurants and hotels in Medway are properly paid. Read more...
Conservative Leader calls for Medway post offices to reopen
Press release posted on Friday, 14 November 2008
The Leader of Medway Council Conservative Group Cllr Rodney Chambers has called for post offices to reopen in Medway after the government announced it was securing the Post Office's financial future.
In an important u-turn, the Labour government has ended years of uncertainty and decided that the Post Office would keep the card account and continue to provide benefit and pension payments. They had previously planned to award the contract for this service to another provider. Read more...
Help others this Christmas with the shoebox appeal
Press release posted on Monday, 3 November 2008
Bring joy to others this Christmas. That was the message from local Princes Park Councillors who have been helping their local church with their shoebox appeal.
The annual shoebox appeal, organised by Blythswood Care, sends thousands of donated shoeboxes filled with gifts to people around the world who are less fortunate then ourselves. Since 1993, the scheme has delivered over 500,000 boxes to countries such as India, Romania and Albania. Read more...
Deputy Leader Alan Jarrett: Medway's Regeneration Projects Will Survive the Credit Crunch
Article posted on Thursday, 30 October 2008
At a time of economic slowdown, people may ask what the future holds for regeneration in Medway. Despite the official measure of recession, many of us think we are in a recession now.
Spiralling prices of food and fuel, ever-rising taxes, and massive jobs losses throughout the country are all signs that a recession is truly underway. The nuances of a few decimal points are immaterial to most of us in the real world. Read more...
Safer roads in Rainham with new speed signs
Press release posted on Thursday, 23 October 2008
Residents in Rainham will have safer roads thanks to a campaign by their local Conservative Councillors.
Local Councillors for Rainham, Cllrs Reh Chishti, Barry Kemp and Mike O’Brien have secured funding to pay for new solar –powered speed signs, which are going to be placed along Woodside Road as part of their road safety campaign for the area. Read more...
Deputy Leader Cllr Alan Jarrett: Challenges Ahead for Gillingham’s MP
Article posted on Monday, 20 October 2008
There is an old saying: “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know”.
So you would think that knowing and working with local MPs would be a benefit to Medway Council. The problem is, Medway is Conservative run and we are dealing with Labour MPs. Read more...
Cllr David Brake: Road safety outside schools is one of our concerns
Letter posted on Friday, 17 October 2008
Sir, your article (Council flouts its own road rules, Medway News, 17th October) highlighted the important issue of road safety outside Medway Schools. Our children are at risk of injury, or even death, as a result of inconsiderate behaviour by motorists near our schools.
Following concerns by worried parents in Walderslade, I have investigated this issue. I found cars parked on zigzags, double yellow lines and across resident driveways. Motorists were seen speeding and ignoring Crossing Patrol Officers. One mother even told me that ensuring her daughter arrived at school on time was more important than risking a penalty ticket or more importantly, the safety of other children. Read more...
Cllr David Wildey: Use your loaf and get us off breadline
Letter posted on Friday, 17 October 2008
Sir, your article (A poor state of affairs, Medway Messenger, 10th October) on child poverty in Medway was very revealing. Labour came to power promising to reduce child poverty, but with around 25,000 of Medway’s children living on the ‘breadline’ and with 5.5 million nationally living in poverty, the government are clearly failing the most vulnerable in our communities.
It was shocking to read that the figures, released by the Campaign to End Child Poverty, were of “no surprise” to Medway’s Labour Members of Parliament. Not only are they much higher than the government’s ‘official’ figures, but they also demonstrate that the Labour government’s approach has left millions of children in poverty. Read more...
Macklands Community Awareness Day a big success
Press release posted on Wednesday, 1 October 2008
Local residents in Rainham North took the opportunity to voice their opinions at the first Macklands Way Partners and Communities Together (PACT) Awareness Day last Sunday.
PSCO Sam Harrell, Safer Communities Officer Ian Sears and local Medway Councillor Vaughan Hewett were available to listen to local concerns. Read more...
An open letter to the Mayor of London
Letter posted on Monday, 22 September 2008
Dear Boris,
Your friends in Medway and Kent are very concerned at your idea of creating a floating airport as an alternative to expanding Heathrow. Read more...
Medway Council backs call for tighter controls on the storage of dangerous substances
Press release posted on Friday, 19 September 2008
At a meeting of Medway Council, Councillors backed a motion proposed by Cllr Reh Chishti calling for better controls of dangerous substances.
Conservative Portfolio Holder for Community Safety Cllr Chishti called on the government to prevent ammonium nitrate and other hazardous material from being stored in residential areas. Read more...
Conservative Councillor calls for stronger controls on ammonium nitrate storage
Press release posted on Tuesday, 16 September 2008
Conservative Portfolio Holder for Community Safety Cllr Rehman Chishti will call on the government to prevent ammonium nitrate and other hazardous material from being stored in residential areas.
In a motion to Council on Thursday 18th September, Cllr Chishti will urged his fellow councillors to help him convince the government to outlaw the storage of hazardous substances near homes and allow legitimate local residential concerns to be heared. Read more...
Alleygating success for Freshwater Road and Coverdale Close in Princes Park
Press release posted on Thursday, 11 September 2008
Local residents in Freshwater Road and Coverdale Close can sleep more soundly at night after brand new gates were installed in local alleys in the area.
Alleygating will protect the pathway between Freshwater Road and Coverdale Close from anti-social behaviour, such as rubbish dumping and graffiti. Read more...
Cllr Sylvia Griffin: Support residents' campaign against Friston Way sports field
Letter posted on Tuesday, 2 September 2008
Dear Sir, in response to your article on a new school sports field in Friston Way (Neighbours call for action over pitch, Medway News 22/08/08), I would like to point out that the sports field is not in Cllr Nick Bowler’s ward (Rochester East) as reported, but in Rochester South and Horsted, where all three Conservative ward councillors have opposed the development from the start. In comparison, Cllr Bowler has voted for and supported the building of the pitch from the beginning, and only now voiced his opposition. At every opportunity I have spoken out against this development and will continue to support residents’ campaign.
Cllr Sylvia Griffin is Vice Chair of Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny and member for Rochester South and Horsted Read more...
Shadow Childrens Minister Tim Laughton MP visits to view Medway's schools and discuss our policies
News posted on Wednesday, 18 June 2008
Cllr Howard Doe: First anniversary of Medway's childrens' mobile library
Letter posted on Tuesday, 17 June 2008
Sir, this month marks the first anniversary of Medway’s children’s mobile library, which is one of the many innovations Medway Council have introduced to make libraries more accessible and amenable for the 21st Century. The way people read books, enjoy literature and access information has changed, so must our libraries to keep up.
They must meet the changing needs of their users. This is why instead of simply being a place to borrow books; our libraries have become community hubs, with Internet access, film, music and game rental. To attract new users, we have clubs, such as the Baby Bounce and Rhyme, which encourages young mothers to join their local library and introduces children to the library facilities. Read more...
Conservatives announce glass recycling from your doorstep
Press release posted on Friday, 13 June 2008
Glass will be included in Medway’s recycling collection scheme from the 1 July for the first time, as part of the latest innovation in recycling policy from Medway’s Conservative Council.
Conservative Group Leader Cllr Rodney Chambers, in his speech to Council last night, announced the plans, which will enable residents to include glass in their blue boxes and blue sacks along with other recyclables such as paper products, cans, foil, aerosols and plastic bottles. Read more...
Cllr Les Wicks: An Academy in Chatham will create opportunities
Letter posted on Tuesday, 10 June 2008
Sir, bringing together Chatham South and Medway Community College into a new academy offers a brighter future for the children of Chatham. It is not without its challenges, but presents an opportunity we should not ignore.
A new academy would provide state-of-the art facilities, new courses and sporting options and combine them with the best qualities of the two existing schools. It is important to remember that this proposal is concerned with the long-term future of education in Chatham, and existing pupils’ education at both schools will continue unaffected. Many current pupils will have moved on to other things by the time a new academy could be built in 2012 or 2013. Read more...
Conservative Party Leader David Cameron meets Cllrs Mike O'Brien, Barry Kemp and Reh Chishti on his visit to the Sunlight Centre in Gillingham
News posted on Thursday, 5 June 2008
Cllr Rodney Chambers: Protect Medway from misguided transport plans
Letter posted on Sunday, 20 April 2008
It appears to be quite fashionable at the moment to want to build grandiose transport projects on Medway’s Hoo Peninsula and on the adjoining Thames Estuary, whatever the financial, social or environmental implications.
In recent months the idea of an airport has reappeared. It was an ill conceived and badly thought out idea five years ago when we fought and defeated the government over their plans, and it still remains a misguided idea. Instead I, along with my Conservative colleagues at Kent County Council, believe that that the Kent International Airport on the Isle of Thanet could provide the infrastructure needed to meet the government’s predictions for future growth in air travel. Read more...
Leader Cllr Rodney Chambers: Medway Council's 10th Anniversary
Article posted on Friday, 11 April 2008
It is fitting that Medway Council’s tenth anniversary coincides with its move into Gun Wharf, finally uniting all council activities under one roof.
Since the council’s inception we have worked together to overcome new challenges and have laid the foundations to transform the area. We are now seeing the results of these changes. Read more...
Conservative councillor fights to save Swain Road from development. Cllr Barry Kemp to present petition to Council
Press release posted on Monday, 7 April 2008
Conservative Councillor for Rainham Central Barry Kemp is supporting residents in their campaign to stop a new housing development in Swain Road, Rainham.
Developers have submitted plans to build 12 new houses, but residents fear that they will have a severe and adverse affect on their daily lives. Locals are concerned about extra traffic, low water pressure and a deterioration of their quality of life. Read more...
Post box removed from Norreys Road, Conservative councillor fights to have it returned
Press release posted on Wednesday, 26 March 2008
Residents in Norreys Road, Rainham are without their local post box this week after the Post Office decided to remove it over the Easter weekend.
But local Conservative Councillor for Rainham Central Mike O’Brien is determined to see it returned and has written to the Post Office demanding that it is reinstated. Read more...
Princes Park Conservative Councillors tackle anti-social behaviour
Press release posted on Wednesday, 19 March 2008
Conservative Council members for Princes Park Matt Bright and Pat Gulvin have set out to prove that they work for residents all the time not just at election time.
They have adopted a hands-on approach to tackle anti-social behaviour and succeeded in having new barriers installed to prevent motorbikes from using local alleyways. Motorbike users have been using alleyways and paths in the area, creating a danger for pedestrians and a nuisance for local residents. Thanks to the area’s Conservative councillors, several barriers and a kissing gate have now been installed to the entrances to alleyways and paths in Swallow Rise, Highgrove Road and Freshwater Road, to prevent motorbikes from accessing these areas. More barriers are expected to follow soon. Read more...
Council approves plans to host Modern Pentathlon World Cup 2010
Press release posted on Friday, 7 March 2008
Final Council approval was granted on Thursday to host the Modern Pentathlon World Cup, a move that will help Medway to realise its potential as a high-calibre sporting venue for national and international events.
At the meeting, Conservative Councillors approved plans to host the Modern Pentathlon World Cup in 2010. But opposition councillors refused to support the plan, labelling the Pentathlon as an elite sport with little relevance to the people of Medway. Read more...
95% of Medway's School Children were offered one of their top three school preferences
Press release posted on Tuesday, 4 March 2008
95% of those school children applying for places at Medway’s secondary schools were today offered one of their top three choices. With 85% being offered their first choice.
In comparison, in some places, especially London, four in every ten lost out to their first choice. The Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames could only achieve 60%. Read more...
Labour Oppose Social Care Improvement Plans
Press release posted on Monday, 3 March 2008
During the annual budget debate on Thursday, Labour Councillors in Medway voted against Conservative plans to spend more on social care and refused to support planned improvements to Medway’s care homes.
At the debate, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance Alan Jarrett outlined Conservative plans to improve care facilities in Medway and to ensure they meet the future needs of Medway’s elderly and disabled. This includes working with partners, such as Kent Community Housing Trust (KCHT), to redevelop the Churchlands and Lennox Wood site to meet the increasing need for residential care services for older people with dementia and high care needs. Read more...
Conservatives announce plans to maintain concession travel from 9am
Press release posted on Friday, 29 February 2008
In his annual budget message on Thursday, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance Alan Jarrett announced plans to retain free travel for bus concession pass holders from 9.00am even though most councils in England plan to only offer free travel from 9.30am.
But unfortunately Labour Councillors did not support the scheme, voting against the budget for at least the sixth consecutive year in a row. The Liberals also refused to support Medway Council’s new budget. Read more...
Expansion of Priority Scheme will provide real benefits for the people of Medway
Press release posted on Friday, 29 February 2008
In his annual budget speech on Thursday, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance Alan Jarrett announced an expansion of the Member’s Priority capital programme to bring improvements to communities throughout Medway.
To reflect the importance of such schemes, Cllr Jarrett announced an extra £500,000, raising the available budget for 2008/2009 to £1,119,000. Read more...
Conservatives Freeze Sport Pitch Fees
Press release posted on Wednesday, 27 February 2008
At the annual Council budget debate on Thursday, Medway Conservative members voted to freeze sport pitch fees, a move which the Liberal and Labour opposition members refused to support.
In a farcical move, Liberal members suggested recommendations to freeze these prices and then decided to vote against their own proposals. Labour members once again refused to support Medway’s budget. Read more...
Rainham Councillors to present parking petition to Council
Press release posted on Monday, 25 February 2008
Residents in Orchard Street, Rainham have presented a petition to local Councillors asking Medway Council to implement Resident Parking Permits in their area.
Rainham Central Councillors Mike O'Brien and Barry Kemp received a petition from Mrs Diane Beacham and Mrs Leoni Duncan of Orchard Road, Rainham. Please see attached photo. Read more...
Conservative Leader resolutely against new Thames Estuary airport calls
Press release posted on Tuesday, 12 February 2008
The Leader of Medway Council has spoken of his determination to fight any plans for an airport in Medway after London Mayoral candidate Boris Johnson called on the Government to rethink proposals for an airport in the Thames Estuary.
The Government rejected proposals for a “floating airport” in the Thames Estuary in 2005 because of the potential environmental impact, risks and costs. The Thames Estuary is a Special Protection Area under the European Union’s Bird Directive and the fourth most significant site for birds in the UK, home to around 200,000 birds during the winter season. Parts of it are also designated Sites of Specific Scientific Interests and Ramsar sites, which covers wetlands of global importance. In 2003 the Government carried out a bird strike study, which revealed that the Thames Estuary is one of the most dangerous places to site an airport in the country. Read more...