News

There surely cannot be a much more opportune time to bring the Parish Council together to form a united fighting unit for the betterment of the village.

Not only is it the beginning of a new year, but two more new councillors have been 'sworn in' to join the battle weary ranks who have witnessed a catalogue of catastrophes over the past year.

Jean James, who although topping the poll in the May election,  resigned just six months later and the 'lad' aka Keven Avery, on whose presence rested a great deal of hope, decided he too had to give up his seat.

But Tony Hutt, who was the other new member elected in May is finding his feet and looks set to stay.

So, what of the two new councillors, Colin Tearle and the Xfactor, Patricia Meloy.

Patricia is pretty much unknown, which may give her some advantage in that there is no track record which could bring her into conflict with the incumbent councillors.

However, Colin Tearle is another kettle of fish, and from reports I have heard on the way he conducts his Chairmanship of Swingfield Parish Council and his experience as a former Tory chief whip on Shepway District Council, he is a man who is not for turning.

The long suffering villagers may well find there is a new vigour ready to be exercised by the council on such issues as the leisuredrome, community centre and the employment land.

The first Parish Council meeting of 2008, next Wednesday (9 January), should be a good indicator to whether the balance of the council will be able to take the important tasks out of the doldrums and sail them, not to the roaring forties, but a the more tranquil trade winds.

The meeting should be a treat to watch for all pundits and plain parishioners, and it could even shake off the comparisons drawn by some, with  Dibley Parish Council.

I wish you all a happy and a prosperous New Year.