News

St.Peter's Church, Swingfield

The Chairman gave a resume of the public enquiry he attended on the the Council's behalf in London into the future use of the St. Peter's.

He said that in his opinion that although many reasons have been given for not at the moment persuing residential use, in his opinion the real reason was that the Draft Redundancy Scheme issued last July was so flawed and so arcane are the Church of England procedures that the scheme was bound to be rejected by the Church Commissioners. The Commissioners only being allowed to judge the scheme submitted, and not being allowed to make any changes.

Three weeks ago Shepway DC served tree preservation orders on all the trees in St. Peter's Churchyard. These will be reviewed shortly

Hawkinge West Development Brief

The Council submitted its views to this document. Its opinions are generally hostile to the overall thrust of the document. It wonders if by wanting to impose so many costs on any industrial development there, they are still serious about wanting it for its local plan designated purpose (B1/B8 industrial use).

Swingfield Parish Council

This year's precept (community charge) on the Parish by the Council will be £8300. This is an increase of £2800 over last year due in the most part for having to reserve £3700 for the possible costs of parish elections next year and any possible by-elections. This cost being levied by Shepway's Returning Officer.

Hawkinge Youth and Community Sports Council

The Chairman recently attended their AGM and was impressed by the local work they had done in the area which included the parish of Swingfield. Unfortunately in the last financial year it had not generated any significant income and as a consequence their reserves had halved to approximately £7,000.

In view of this he wondered the financial logic about their continual pursuance of leasing the Spitfire Leisuredrome from Hawkinge Parish Council. In effect he said that he thought that this building would put such a serious financial drain on their reserves, similar to the Community Centre, as to put them under. If that happened it would be such a pity because they do a great deal for the youth of our area without it. 

Police Forum

At a recent meeting it was announced that recently 15 new Community Wardens had been appointed to police Shepway. Also raised was the issue of the siting of the mobile speed camera.

Colin Tearle