Springhead road gas works

This year The Hive Christmas light switch on was a good example of the Council and Communities coming together to bring some Christmas light and cheer. The Tree was donated by Bellway, the lights around The Hive were set up by Gravesham Borough Council 

On Small Business Saturday in Gravesham I couldn't resist to visit some of our small businesses on the run up to Christmas. As the Cabinet Member responsible for Business I am proud of our truly fantastic small businesses here on our doorstep in Gravesham, from restaurants and pubs to unique shopping experiences. Please support your local business. 

Great to be working with residents in Hartfield Place and York Road to clear up the back alleyway. Really great progress made from the starting point! 

I saw that developers have taken the public footpath behind the bus stop at Council Avenue (heading to Gravesend). This development was given planning permission by the Ebbsfleet Planning Committee in April 2020 ( https://ebbsfleetdc.org.uk/april-committee-meeting/ ), unfortunately Gravesham Borough Council had no representation on the Planning committee (and still do not (updated 26/2/2021)). 

Kent County Council (as the Council responsible for pathways) has formally given notice to the developers to return the land. Watch this space. This matter was further raised at Gravesham Joint Transport Board on Wednesday 10 March where we were informed that the police have been notified to enforce this breach in taking the public footpath.

On the 16th December meeting I spoke as a registered speaker on behalf of residents of Northfleet at the Ebbsfleet Planning Committee.  https://ebbsfleetdc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/16-December-Frontsheet-FINAL.pdf

I raised concerns that had been raised to me by residents, including, concern over the relocation of the community centre to the river front, concern over community engagement and involvement, concern over loss of the flint walls and other concerns. I welcomed the improved open space offer including the bridge which will allow for greater access to green space, I welcomed the community facilities and space of the play pitch. I challenged the developers to ensure where possible recruit locally and offer apprenticeships as well as engage the local community, which I am pleased to see includes a competition to design the new play park.  

You can see my contribution here: (41 mins to 51mins in)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGrxwoyZ2ks&list=PLaXcKGHs7M9UrhREEXTThJMl2pu2NSDda&index=2&...

Following a number of reports from residents that heavy-good vehicles have been using routes that are not ideal, Cllr John Burden and I have funded assessments which will capture the types of vehicles using local roads, we can compare this to previous years and take action such as increased signage for appropriate routes and other actions if necessary.  

These dropped kerbs were installed to promote greater accessibility for residents living in Northfleet to be able to expand horizons and be able to move safely on pavements. 

If there are other drop kerbs that could do with being lowered to promote greater accessibility please do contact me and I will ask for these to be considered. 

I have lobbied for KCC to adopt this pathway and with the combined lobbing power of GBC councillors from Pelham and Northfleet North, as well as officers in GBC and KCC working together we have been successful in getting these steps (from ASDA up to London Road) adopted and maintained by KCC. Please do let us know if there are further issues such as littering so that we can take action. 

Interesting ⁦Kent County Council  ⁩Full Council meeting today. Spoke against the interim strategic statement plans as potential cuts in disguise and called on ⁦Conservative Led KCC to review its support for the Lower Thames Crossing and make Kent Carbon Neutral.