Press Release 11 May 2017

New Chairman – Edenbridge Town Council

Cllr Margot McArthur was elected as Chairman of Edenbridge Town Council this week.

Since joining the Council in June 2013 she has played a full role representing the town on a number of Committees. She has been key in developing the Town's Emergency Plan. Last year new radio equipment was purchased and installed, which has created an integrated communications systems throughout the area.
Margot is looking forward to the changing and challenging times ahead, and ensuring the best possible outcomes for the town.

Cllr Alan Layland was elected as Vice Chairman

For further information, please contact Christine Lane, Town Clerk. 01732 865368

PRESS RELEASE 28 April 2017

Presentation of a civic medallion

On Friday 28th April the Members of Edenbridge Town Council were delighted to award David with a civic medallion in recognition of his consistent and highly informed recording and monitoring of wildlife in Edenbridge, thereby enabling the community and professional organisations to understand and value the natural world ‘on its doorstep’, as well as identifying trends over the years.

David has always had an interest in ‘the natural world’ since childhood and, although born and bred in Buxted, it was nurtured when, aged 6 years, the family moved to Kent and his father was employed as a gardener at Hever Castle. It was further reinforced when, after attending East Anglia University, David trained and qualified as a teacher, specialising in biology, with his teaching career taking him to Nottingham for four years, and then south to Purley where he remained until retiring from the profession in 1995.

With time now available for him to spend at his leisure, he was able to combine his two main interests – the ‘natural world’ and ‘making lists’! The latter, in particular, was to reinforce and enable him to develop the former to a level which evolved, rather than being pursued, in its own right.

David began using the increased amount of time available to him by taking daily walks in the Edenbridge area, and of recording the wildlife which he identified in a designated area, starting with bird life and progressing to embrace other forms of wildlife – mammals, butterflies, damselflies and dragonflies, in particular, so that, from 1996 onwards, he had a ‘tried and tested’ system for monitoring and recording what he was able to identify in that designated area where he took his daily walks.

He has followed this routine for the past 20 years and, at the end of each calendar year, has produced a summation of his observations, with verification from detailed, daily accounts. His annual reports are forwarded to, amongst others, the British Trust for Ornithology, the National Biological Research Centre, the Kent Butterfly Group, Kent Wildlife Trust and, of course, Edenbridge Town Council.

Edenbridge & District Twinning Association is welcoming their French visitors for the weekend of Friday 12th to Sunday 14th May. The French group is arriving late on the Friday evening, and the following day there is an outing to Penshurst Place and Church. That evening everyone is joining together for a meal in Edenbridge WI Hall, and on the Sunday a farewell light brunch is being held in Rickards Hall, with entertainment by Marlings Morris.

A number of French ‘twinners’ are expected and any help with hosting would be much appreciated. The Association pays for the activities for the French, courtesy of fund-raising events and donations, so those hosting just need to provide bed, breakfast, picnic and some drinks for their guests, and it doesn’t matter if you can’t speak French.

Information is on the website www.edta.org.uk or please contact 01732 863226 by early April.

PRESS RELEASE January 2017

Council Tax

The Edenbridge element of the Council Tax has been agreed and is a 1.96%% increase on the Band D rate, a rise of £2.57 to £136.07. This money is used to run the local council services and includes maintaining Stangrove and Blossoms Parks, the Cemetery, Lingfield Road Recreation Ground, two allotment sites and four children’s playgrounds. The Council works with local sports clubs at Lingfield Road, Blossoms Park and Mowshurst. Church House and Rickards Hall are maintained as community buildings. Doggetts Barn houses the Visitor Information Point and Town Council Offices. The Council generates income from its assets, which help offset the amount needed from residents to provide services in Edenbridge and Marsh Green.

Town Clerk
Edenbridge Town Council
01732 865368

PRESS RELEASE January 2017 Council Helps Cricket Club

Edenbridge Town Council has granted an extension to Edenbridge Cricket Club to help them to apply for grants to build a new Pavilion in honour of Matt Cox who was sadly taken at the age of 21. For more information or if you would also like to help by donating please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/MattCox-1Town Clerk
Edenbridge Town Council
01732 865368

NEWS RELEASE December 2016

New benches, gifts for Doggetts Courtyard

Visitors to Doggetts Barn Courtyard can take a seat on three new benches, thanks to donations for two of them from the Great Stone Bridge Trust and the Edenbridge and Westerham Rotary Club.
The official handover to the community will take place on Friday 16th December at 2.30pm. Both the benefactor groups and Town Councillors will be present.
Photographers are invited to this short event, and there will be tea served afterwards.
The previous extra-long wooden benches were donated to the Museum when the former bowls club closed, and moved for use in Doggetts Courtyard, but they became unrepairable.
The seating is much used by parents taking children to and from activities in Rickards Hall, by local people and visitors attending events, or just seeking a sunny spot for lunch.
“It’s great to have the new benches in the Courtyard for the community to use for many years to come, thanks to Great Stone Bridge and the Rotary Club’s generosity” says Cllr Alan Layland, chairman of the Open Spaces committee.

Edenbridge Town Council
01732 865368

NEWS RELEASE December 2016

Council funding supports community

All small grant fund of £7,500 has been shared among several local organisations.

Town Councillors are very pleased they are to be able to support the community with these grants. The money has been distributed fairly and appropriately amongst more than 15 applicants.

Councillors are also happy to announce the Council continues as a funding partner supporting the Community Warden post, currently held by Rose Briggs.

The Warden provides a link between many organisations working in and for the community. This includes patrolling to monitor for graffiti, fly-tipping, dog fouling and vandalism, and a wide range of other issues which affect the well-being and safety of local people. The Community Warden and volunteer speed-watchers also hold regular sessions in the area to monitor the traffic.

The Warden coordinates a team of volunteer litter pickers, providing additional litter removal to complement routine street sweeping. The last “blitz” session resulted in 20 bags of rubbish cleared.

The Warden recently led small teams of volunteers for planting more than 3,000 daffodil bulbs along the main road through Edenbridge, to brighten up the verges in spring.

Councillors agree the Community Warden role is a huge asset to the town and will continue to advocate it. Any local organisations who would like to become funding partners supporting the Warden are urged to contact the Town Council Office.

For further details contact:
Edenbridge Town Council
01732 865368

Edenbridge Partnership celebrating its 10th anniversary

Ten years after its launch in 2006, the partnership of more than 20 organisations working with, in, and for, the Edenbridge community is celebrating its 10th anniversary on 6 December.

Under the slogan “forward together”, the Partnership meeting quarterly helps communications between organisations, and by pooling resources various combinations of groups over the years have carried out projects to meet identified needs – such as improving the local environment, opportunities for young people, support for start-up businesses, encouraging tourism, promoting volunteering, and also events to bring the community together – aiming to enhance the economic and social well-being of Edenbridge and surrounding parishes.

Current Partners range from local councils and churches, to the chamber of commerce, police, housing associations, youth work, community rail partnership, and rail travellers’ association. There are also up to five places available for individuals not linked to any specific organisation.

Press Release 13 October 2016
National Community Rail Awards 2016

Members from the ECTreme Youth Club and the Youth Forum were presented with certificates by the Vice Chairman, Cllr Richard Davison, prior to the start of Edenbridge Town Council’s meeting on 10 October. The young people were winners at the National Community Rail Awards 2016, Community Art Scheme category, for their art work on the underpass at Edenbridge Town station.

For any further information call 01732 865368.

PRESS RELEASE July 2016

EDENBRIDGE VOLUNTARY TRANSPORT SERVICE

Edenbridge Voluntary Transport Service was recognised as the Charity of the Year at Sevenoaks District ‘Making It Happen’ Community and Voluntary Awards 2016. Cllr Stuart McGregor, Chairman of Edenbridge Town Council, recently presented the award to Bridget Harris, representing the charity which helps older and disabled people get to and from day centres and medical appointments.

PRESS RELEASE June 2016

New benches needed for Doggetts Courtyard

Edenbridge Town Council is offering local organisations or families the chance to donate a bench for community use in the courtyard behind Eden Valley Museum.

Two extra-long wooden benches were donated to the Museum and moved when the former bowls club closed, for use in Doggetts Courtyard off the High Street. They became unrepairable, and the Council is hoping they can be replaced with similar long seats, which are popular with users of Rickards Hall which is also off the Courtyard.

Parents taking children to and from activities in the hall, local people and visitors attending
events, or just seeking a sunny spot for lunch, have all made use of the seating.

“It would be good to have two more good solid benches in the courtyard, to replace the old ones for the community to use for many years to come,” says Cllr Alan Layland, chairman of the Open Spaces committee.

The cost of a suitable eight foot wooden bench would be around £700, and anyone interested in donating one for the courtyard is asked to contact the Town Council office.

Edenbridge Town Council
01732 865368

PRESS RELEASE June 2016

REPLACEMENT FLASHING SPEED SIGN

There is once again a flashing speed sign at the Marlpit Hill entry to Edenbridge.

Town Councillor Bob Todd said he was delighted the much needed flashing speed sign had finally been reinstated to help reduce speeding in the north part of the town. The Community Warden and volunteer ‘speed watchers’ hold regular sessions in the area to monitor the traffic. A grant towards the cost was received from the Community Safety Partnership, at Sevenoaks District Council. Speeding through Marlpit Hill has been highlighted as an ongoing problem and Edenbridge Town Council members are working with County Councillor Clive Pearman and Kent Highways to investigate options.

News Release 15.2.2016

Neighbourhood Plan consultation event – drop in while you’re shopping

Local people are being asked to comment on policies proposed for the Neighbourhood Plan, to shape the development of the town over the next 15 years. There will be an event at Rickards Hall on Saturday 27th February 10am-12.30pm, with displays on the policies and the chance for people to have their say over a cup of coffee.

The Neighbourhood Plan project team is also asking every household to watch out for a small booklet through their letterbox in the next couple of weeks, and urges people to reply with their views using the Freepost envelope.

Months of work by volunteers in five Task Groups has gathered evidence to support the policies – including the Housing Needs Survey carried out last July, to which nearly a quarter of Edenbridge households responded, and before that a Businesses Survey of local companies. The proposed policies cover aspects of housing, economy, environment, infrastructure, building design, and community health/learning/well-being – the main themes as follows:

Housing: developments to conform with the updated Design Statement and the new Character Areas Assessment, and to meet the needs of current and future households in the Edenbridge Neighbourhood Plan Area, in terms of mix of affordability and unit sizes.
Environment: protecting smaller local open spaces now identified within the community, sustainable urban drainage schemes, and minimising landscape impact from any development which may be permitted in the Green Belt.
Economy: enhancing the retail/High Street area, the future of larger business sites, and tourism opportunities.
Infrastructure: the capability of infrastructure to support future development, including utilities and transport, and the development of non-vehicle routes (pedestrian/cycle) through the town.
Health/learning/well-being: provision of health facilities; community facilities to be maintained/enhanced as developments come on stream, supported by a register of community assets; and support for a new learning facility.

Creating a Neighbourhood Plan is a way communities can shape how they develop in future through local-level planning policies. This two-year project has been under way in Edenbridge since spring 2014, headed by a Steering Group of representatives from a dozen organisations.

Local people were first asked what they liked about the town, and what they would like to change, and invited to help with the project. From replies to those questions, a vision for the town’s future emerged, and objectives agreed with community support through two public events in autumn 2014.

PRESS RELEASE 12 February 2016

Your Council needs you

Edenbridge Town Council is looking to fill a vacancy by co-opting a new member to the Council.

Councillors work together with the community to improve the prosperity of residents by enhancing the town’s caring community spirit, protecting the environment, and retaining the town’s character.

The Town Council owns and maintains a number of parks, playgrounds and buildings in the town, and works with a wide range of partners to make Edenbridge a better place to live. If you would like to get involved, or are interested in finding out more, please contact the Clerk, Christine Lane, on 01732 865368.

Expressions of Interest should be received in writing by the Clerk, by 9am on Wednesday 6 April, and they will be considered in the April Council meeting.

Christine Lane
Town Clerk
Edenbridge Town Council
01732 865368

PRESS RELEASE January 2016

COUNCIL VACANCY

Sadly Jo Chappell has resigned from the Council due to work pressures. She will be missed and in her time as a member has played a role in taking forward drainage and flooding issues and work with young people. It is hoped that when time allows she will stand again.

The Chairman of Edenbridge Town Council, fellow Councillors, and the staff, wish her every success in the future.

The search is on to find her replacement and notices advertising the vacancy have been posted. Residents have two weeks to get together and request an election, and if no requests are made the Council will look to co-opt someone.

For more information please contact Christine Lane Town Clerk 01732 865368

Town Clerk
Edenbridge Town Council
01732 865368

Terri Scanes moved to Edenbridge over 18 years ago and is married to Martin.

Since her arrival she has played an active role supporting a number of local societies and clubs, including the Historical Society, Town Twinning Association, Sustainable Edenbridge, Women’s Institute, and Edenbridge Holiday Activities Scheme – both as their Community Liaison and volunteer helper – and has driven for the Edenbridge Voluntary Transport Service for 4 years.

She was one of the prime movers for Fairtrade, helping to make Edenbridge the first Fairtrade Town in Kent. The group recently celebrated its 10th anniversary and continues to flourish.

Terri was elected to the Town Council in 2003 and, in addition to serving on a number of Council committees, was elected Chairman in 2009 by her fellow councillors. Unfortunately she had to resign from the Council in 2014, due to temporary ill health.

She is a long term member of the Edenbridge branch of the Conservative Association and is currently acting as the branch secretary.

Terri has been a leading light in the Guide/Brownie movement for over 39 years, serving in a number of towns across the country, and in a range of roles including District Secretary, Division Commissioner and Leadership mentor. She has run the local Brownie pack for the last 18 years.

Amongst all the things she does, she also finds time to look after an interesting member of her household – a Barn Owl which she has had for more than 20 years and raised from a chick!

These are a few examples of the contribution Terri has made to local organisations – long may she continue these positive roles in the life of the town.

The Members of Edenbridge Town Council are delighted to award Terri Scanes with a civic medallion in recognition of her long and valuable service to the community.

Housing needs survey results

Nearly a quarter of Edenbridge households responded to the Housing Needs Survey carried out during July for the Neighbourhood Plan project.

Local residents were asked to help the project team by giving information about their housing needs over the next few years. Would they need to move home, to down-size or upsize, did they want to change from renting to home ownership, leave parents’ home to set up their own, or move in to share with a relative – depending on the stage of their lives.

From 4,000 surveys delivered, 23% were returned, and key points which emerged were that 84% of respondents were owner occupiers either with or without a mortgage; the remaining 16% were a mix of renters (private and social housing), shared owners and tied tenants – 66% of respondents had lived in the parish for 10 years or more.

There was not great support for more housing being built in Edenbridge:
53% of respondents who answered the question said they would not be supportive of future housing development in Edenbridge parish, but 64% of respondents who answered the question said they would support a development of affordable local needs housing, if there was a proven need for people with a genuine local connection to Edenbridge parish.

The survey replies showed 25 households need affordable housing – a total of 9 single people, 3 couples and 13 families, 28 households need open market housing – a total of 8 single people, 8 couples, 11 families and 1 household consisting of two siblings sharing. A further 100 additional respondents indicated that they or someone living with them were considering moving to alternative accommodation within Edenbridge parish, either open market or affordable housing within 5 years, or in 5 or more years.

The Housing Task Group within the Neighbourhood Plan team is now looking at the details of the survey results to see how they can be reflected in policies within the Plan.

Creating a Neighbourhood Plan is a way communities can shape how they develop in future through local-level planning policies. This two-year project has been under way in Edenbridge since spring last year, headed by a Steering Group of representatives from a dozen organisations.

Local people were first asked what they liked about the town, and what they would like to change, and invited to help with the project. From the replies to those questions, a vision for the town’s future emerged, and objectives agreed with community support through two public events in autumn last year.

Volunteers have been working in five different Task Groups on aspects of the Neighbourhood Plan – housing, economy, environment, infrastructure, and health/learning/well-being. These are meeting monthly to produce the sections of the Plan – next is 19th November, 7.30-9.00pm at Rickards Hall, just off Edenbridge High Street, behind the Museum. Local people are invited to join in and help shape the future of the town, and can keep up to date with the news by following the project on Facebook.

Key contacts for Edenbridge
Steering Group chairman Annette Hards - 07932 686011 Edenbridge Town Council - 01732 865368
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EdenbridgeNeighbourhoodPlan

• Support and a grant provided by the Supporting Communities in Neighbourhood Planning Programme, led by Locality in association with RTPI/Planning Aid England, CDF and partners, through the My Community Rights website.

Family Fun Days held on Thursday afternoons in Stangrove Park in Edenbridge during August were again well supported by local families, according to a report received at the Town Council meeting this week.

The Town Council funds these free sessions as one of 11 parishes which commission PlayPlace Innov8 to deliver fun and games, including an inflatable and craft activity. With additional funding from Great Stone Bridge Trust Edenbridge families were able to enjoy a magic show, and also learn circus skills, as extra activities on two of the weeks. Almost 350 people attended the local sessions, though the second week was unfortunately hit by very wet weather. Council chairman Stuart McGregor said: “I'm pleased that the council is able to support these play schemes as they are a great way for children to enjoy themselves and have fun during the long summer holidays."

Housing Needs Survey launched in Edenbridge
Local residents are being asked to help the Neighbourhood Plan project team by sharing what their housing needs will be over the next few years.
Will they need to move home, to down-size or upsize, do they want to change from renting to home ownership, leave parents’ home to set up their own, or move in to share with a relative –depending on the stage of their lives.
Households are urged to watch out for the survey arriving through the letter box in the next week, and to fill in the information and return it in the envelope provided. The replies will provide the basis for a report on the community’s future housing needs – and this will in turn help shape local planning policies in the Neighbourhood Plan.
The Neighbourhood Plan team has with Sevenoaks District Council’s support commissioned ACRK (Action with Communities in Rural Kent) to draw up the report – closing date for responses is 27th July.
It’s a busy time for the Neighbourhood Plan team, as they are now assessing the replies from local businesses who responded to the Business Survey which was recently hand-delivered to their premises. It is not too late to reply as there are still a few days left to respond if any business still has a survey to return.
Creating a Neighbourhood Plan containing local-level planning policies is a way communities can shape the way they develop in future. Five different Task Groups are working on aspects of the Neighbourhood Plan – housing, economy, environment, infrastructure, and health/learning/ well-being. These are meeting monthly to progress the sections of the Plan – next is 16th July,
7.30-9.00pm at Rickards Hall, just off Edenbridge High Street, behind the Museum. Local people are invited to join in and help shape the future of the town, and can keep up to date with the news by following us on Facebook.
Key contacts for Edenbridge
Steering Group chairman Annette Hards - 07932 686011 Edenbridge Town Council - 01732 865368
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EdenbridgeNeighbourhoodPlan

Busy time for Neighbourhood Plan team
It¡¦s all systems go for the Edenbridge Neighbourhood Plan project team. Local businesses have had the Business Survey hand-delivered to their premises, and an assessment of the different Characters Areas of the town¡¦s development is also in full swing.
Replying to the Survey will give local businesses the opportunity to have their say in the shaping of the future of Edenbridge. Are there enough of the right kind of premises in the town? Is there sufficient of the right kind of housing to meet employers¡¦ and staff needs? Are transport and communication links enough to meet their current and future business needs? Every company that received a survey is urged to complete and return it to the collecting point at the Town Council office by the end of May. Any business which has not received a survey is asked to please contact the team for a copy.
A series of walks through the town has been organised to assess the character of different areas of the town, looking at Edenbridge¡¦s history and architecture and character. The information which comes from these will help support local policies about the design of any future buildings.
Then on 4th June, 7-9pm at Rickards Hall there will be a workshop bringing together the findings.
Five different Task Groups are working on aspects of the Neighbourhood Plan ¡V housing, economy, environment, infrastructure, and health/learning/well-being. These are meeting monthly to progress the sections of the Plan ¡V next is Thursday 21st May and then 18th June, 7- 9.00pm at Rickards Hall, just off Edenbridge High Street, behind the Museum. Local people are invited to join in and help shape the future of the town, and can keep up to date with the news by following us on Facebook.
Key contacts for Edenbridge
Steering Group chairman Annette Hards - 07932 686011 Edenbridge Town Council - 01732 865368
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EdenbridgeNeighbourhoodPlan

Support and a grant provided by the Supporting Communities in Neighbourhood Planning Programme, led by Locality in association with RTPI/Planning Aid England, CDF and partners, through the My Community Rights website.

New Chairman – Edenbridge Town Council

Cllr Stuart McGregor has been elected unanimously by his fellow Councillors to be Edenbridge Town Council’s new Chairman.

He has spent the last two years as Vice-Chairman and is looking to build on the good work of the previous Council.
Cllr McGregor has stated that he hopes to see improvements to the playground on Spitals Cross and works carried out to resolve the roof issues at Lingfield Road Sports Pavilion. Both will require significant investment and efforts are under way to find external sources of funding.
It is a challenging time but assisting the development of the Neighbourhood Plan to set a framework for the development of the town over the next 15 years will ensure the local voice is heard and will be a key action for the Council.

Cllr Richard Davison was elected as Vice Chairman and both appointments are for a one year term.

For further information, please contact Christine Lane, Town Clerk. 01732 865368

Edenbridge Cemetery extension was Consecrated on Friday (1st May) by the Bishop of Tonbridge Rt Rev Dr Brian Castle, during a visit to the town as part of his tour of the deanery.
It was the last step in the Town Council’s project to enable it to continue to offer burials within the town in future, once the existing ground is full. Following consultations with the community, and after gaining planning permission from the District Council, the new Cemetery section was prepared and laid out with paths and water supply during last year.

The Town Council is extremely disappointed that Sainsbury’s have decided not to go ahead with their plans for a superstore in Edenbridge.

The Chairman, Cllr Stuart McGregor says ‘I share the disappointment of the people of Edenbridge, particularly given the level of support both the Town Council, residents and business community gave to the scheme.

The Council will continue to work with Sainsbury’s to find strong viable alternative uses for the site.

PRESS RELEASE 9 April 2015

Nomads FC Pitch Improvements

Footballers at Nomads FC have an improved Pitch 1 playing surface thanks to a new drainage system installed by the Town Council. The project was supported by £15,000 grant funding from Ibstock Cory Environmental Trust, and a further £2,000 from local charity Great Stone Bridge Trust, and will be officially unveiled on Saturday 18 April at 1.30pm.

Prior to this a youth match will be played at 12.30pm, and afterwards a first team League game will kick off at 2pm.

Nomads play in the Redhill District League, and with four games to go in the season had already won Division 2. They are also finalists in the Redhill Intermediate Cup on April 15, so may be cup-winners by the 18th.

The club was founded in 1961, the brainchild of Albert “Harry” Harris, and current President Ken Cooper remembers the first meeting of founders taking place in Harry’s garage, seated on planks across crates.

Local residents are invited to come and support the team and see the facilities at the Nomads ground at Mowshurst, off Four Elms Road, where there will be a display reflecting the club’s long history, and light refreshments available.

Town Clerk
Edenbridge Town Council
01732 865368

PRESS RELEASE February 2015

Annual Town Meeting

Edenbridge Town Council will be holding its Annual Town Meeting at the W.I. Hall at 8pm on Monday 2 March. All residents are encouraged to come and hear about the progress of the Neighbourhood Plan and to hear from representatives from Kent County Council, Sevenoaks District Council and Kent Police.

There will a chance to ask questions and an there will be an opportunity to view displays from the groups and organisations who have received grants from the Town Council.

Town Clerk
Edenbridge Town Council
01732 865368

Council Tax

The Edenbridge element of the Council Tax has been agreed and is a 1% increase on the Band D rate, a rise of £1.29 to £130.87. This money is used to run the local council services and includes maintaining Stangrove and Blossoms Parks, the Cemetery, Lingfield Road Recreation Ground, two allotment sites and four children’s playgrounds. The Council works with local sports clubs at Lingfield Road, Blossoms Park and Mowshurst. Church House and Rickards Hall are maintained as community buildings. Doggetts Barn houses the Visitor Information Point and Town Council Offices. The Council generates income from its assets, which help offset the amount needed from residents to provide services in Edenbridge and Marsh Green.

Town Clerk
Edenbridge Town Council
01732 865368

Edenbridge Town Council is considering an application for 300 new houses in Edenbridge at its meeting on Monday 12 January, at 8pm in Rickards Hall. There is an opportunity to speak during the meeting. The plans can be viewed on Sevenoaks District Council’s website reference SE/14/03783/OUT or are available to see in the Town Council office.

Support for the Neighbourhood Plan vision of the future for Edenbridge

Comments from people at the recent community engagement events 100% supported the vision for the future of Edenbridge in the next 15 years. Those who came to the drop-in sessions at the Eden Centre and Rickards Hall agreed that they wanted a compact and balanced community, connected in ways that encourage walking and cycling, and sympathetically developed to enhance the environment, maintaining and improving existing facilities.

They also would like thriving attractive High Street in character with the existing mix of historic architectural periods, continuing to attract visitors as a tourism hub with improved facilities, and to have retained and regenerated industrial areas, adapted for changing economic trends and providing local employment.
Giant maps of Edenbridge and surrounding area gave people the chance to pin flags with comments on aspects they liked, or on matters about which they had concerns. There was also the chance to speak with the team, discuss ideas, and to vote on issues that affect the area. Children from the primary school and Edenbridge cubs had also thought about the town’s future and their work was also on display.

Not all the possible objectives being tested were supported by those who attended, but the task now is to consider how to turn those which were agreed into local planning policies to be included in the Neighbourhood Plan, and to gather evidence to support those policies.

When completed, the Plan will be used to shape future development in the area. It will cover topics such as housing, health, economy and the environment, dealing with how land is used. A Neighbourhood Plan does not cover the operation of services and facilities provided by organisations.

Key concerns about services, which will need to be addressed in other ways than through land use planning, have been passed to the Town Council, to consider to pursuing those with appropriate organisations for action – ranging from policing and anti-social behaviour, to road maintenance, medical facilities, parking enforcement, train services, litter/dog fouling, flood defences, High St traffic calming and transport for non-drivers. The need for secondary education divided opinion: one side views this as vital, while the other agrees it is needed but is not viable to pursue. There is solid support for post-school and adult education in town.

In Edenbridge the team working on the plan includes the Town Council, Eden Valley Chamber of Commerce, local housing associations, Sustainable Edenbridge, Kent Wildlife Trust, Rail Travellers Association, residents and landowners. The steering group was formed in Edenbridge to make use of the new powers available to communities since the introduction of the Localism Act to decide what happens where they live.
Key contacts for Edenbridge
Edenbridge Town Council - 01732 865368
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EdenbridgeNeighbourhoodPlan
Web: http://www.edenbridgetc.kentparishes.gov.uk/default.cfm?pid=news&newsid=8734

• Support and a grant provided by the Supporting Communities in Neighbourhood Planning Programme, led by Locality in association with RTPI/Planning Aid England, CDF and partners, through the My Community Rights website.

Speed Watch Success – Edenbridge Town Council

As a result of eight Speedwatch sessions between 2nd July and 2nd October a total of 105 observations were made of vehicles whose drivers were exceeding the speed limit of 30 miles per hour .The locations were Fairmead Road, Main Road, Four Elms Road, and Mill Hill.

Eight letters of advice were sent as a result of analysis by Kent Police Speedwatch data staff.
Five of these were 2nd detection of mid range speeding. Three were for high end speeding (+50%).

Speedwatch is operated by trained volunteers throughout Kent and other counties, to raise public awareness about the dangers of excessive speed in our community

Chairman of the Council Robert Orridge says: “The local volunteers are doing a fantastic job in addressing this serious issue, which will help to reduce speed and improve road safety.”

Anyone wanting to join the teams should contact the Edenbridge Community Warden on 01732 865368

For further information, please contact Community Warden 01732 865368

Take 15minutes to help shape the future of Edenbridge

Communities have had the power to decide what happens where they live since the introduction of the Localism Act. A taskforce has been formed in Edenbridge to make use of these new powers and local people are invited to be part of the planning process at two Neighbourhood Planning events.

It could take as little as 15minutes for people to add their thoughts and ideas that will shape Edenbridge’s future until 2030. Simply pop along to one of the open Neighbourhood Planning events – on 22nd October at 6pm-9pm at the Eden Centre, or 25th October at 9.30am-12.30pm at Rickards Hall.

At the events there will be activities with giant maps of Edenbridge and surrounding area illustrating future opportunities for development. There is also the chance to speak with the team, discuss ideas, and to vote on issues that affect the area. Children from the primary school have also thought about the town’s future and a display of their work will also be on show.

The new Neighbourhood Plan will be developed using the feedback from these events and an online campaign running alongside. The plan will be used to shape future development and infrastructure in the area. It will cover hot topics such as Housing, Health, Economy and the Environment.

Energy-saving and healthy living are two other issues for the future well-being of the community, and the District Council will be there to highlight these – healthy lifestyles with the “smoothie bike” in action, and also cutting energy costs with the Switch and Save scheme offering a chance to compare prices on household energy bills.

A Neighbourhood Plan sets out policies on development and use of land in a parish or local area, with the added bonus of being designed by local people for local people. In Edenbridge the team working on the plan includes the Town Council, Eden Valley Chamber of Commerce, local housing associations, Sustainable Edenbridge, Kent Wildlife Trust, Rail Travellers Association, residents and landowners.
Additional Information
Neighbourhood Plans - https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/giving-communities-more-power-in-planning-local-development/supporting-pages/neighbourhood-planning

Road closures around Edenbridge

This is advance notice of upcoming road closures around Edenbridge.

Station Road Edenbridge, from Minstrels Close to Stangrove Road (cul de sac section) from 13 to 16 October, to replace the failed section of carriageway. It is planned to carry out some evening hours resurfacing to Station Road from 19:00 hours to 02:00 hours. To ensure a safe working environment for the crew and to assist with the progress of the work, it will not be possible to park in any section of the works during this period, including the lay-by which is also going to be patched. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times and the contractor will allow access to residents, station users and all taxis/deliveries, although there may be some delays to allow machinery to be moved. Please drive slowly whilst these works are being undertaken. Please note that it will be necessary to drive around the diversion route to enter the road from the opposite direction at times when machinery is occupying the full width of the road or when the material is still within its curing time.

Lingfield Road, from Mont St Aignan Way to the High Street, will be closed from 27 October, for up to 5days. This is to enable footway reconstruction to be carried out.

Crouch House Road, from 4 November, for up to 1 day. The road will be closed at the railway bridge between 09.30 to 15.30. The alternative route is via Stangrove Road, Mont St Aignan Way, Station Road, Main Road, Hilders Lane and Little Browns Lane. The closure is to enable a detailed railway bridge examination to be carried out.

Lydens Lane, from 16 November for up to 6 days. The alternative route is via Lydens Road, New House Farm Road, Hever Road, Mill Hill, Hartfield Road. The closure is needed for works to be carried out on the railway bridge to clear vegetation.

Pupils at three Lambeth primary schools are joining forces with local adults and a national opera company to create and perform a new opera this June at Lambeth Town Hall.

Edenbridge tells the story of the evacuation of children from Lambeth to the countryside in the second world war.

The project sees 60 pupils at Reay School in Oval working for the second time with national opera company English Touring Opera (ETO), following the success last year of Laika in Lambeth, an opera about the first dog in space.

Two classes from Reay School are working alongside pupils from Oasis Academy and Vauxhall primary school, together with adults recruited from the local community.

Edenbridge has been devised during a series of workshops involving the creation of the design, the words, the story and the music of the piece.

In the opera, which lasts around an hour, a group of children are evacuated from Lambeth to the countryside during the second world war. The story sees the children journey from Waterloo station to the town of Edenbridge in Kent, home to a haunted castle, a mysterious aristocrat and even a talking goose.

ETO’s creative team includes professional opera singer Susan Moore and cellist Rebecca Hewes, as well as orchestral musicians from the Royal Academy of Music.

Edenbridge also features the same conductor and director as Laika in Lambeth last year – Russell Hepplewhite is writing the music and Tim Yealland is directing the show.

The show features original designs by Catherine Ryan, and is produced by Sarah Botchway, Acting Headteacher of Reay Primary School.

Sarah Botchway said: “It has been another fabulous year producing Edenbridge in collaboration with the English Touring Opera. After the success of last year’s performance, the children have taken to it like ducks to water! It has been a great experience for our pupils to work alongside pupils from other schools as well as adults from the community.”

ETO’s Tim Yealland, directing the project, said: “Our project with Reay School a year ago, Laika in Lambeth, was one of the highlights of 2013 for ETO. It is wonderful to be returning, and to be working with excellent pupils from other schools as well as older people from the borough is an added treat. The story we have found - the evacuation of children from Lambeth in the second world war - seems to have touched everyone involved.”

The two performances of Edenbridge take place on Friday 13 June at Lambeth Town Hall’s Assembly Hall, at 2pm for groups of schoolchildren and teachers, and at 7pm for parents and the general public.

Tickets cost £6 (£4 for children under 12). To book tickets call 020 7735 2978 or email admin@reay.lambeth.sch.uk

Lambeth schools work with national opera company to create a new opera about WW2 evacuations

Provision of sandbags during periods of flooding

Edenbridge Town Council would like to apologise to the residents who were disappointed with the response they received to requests for sandbags during the winter flooding incidents.

During periods when no sandbags were available, or requests did not meet the criteria, staff provided details of where supplies could be purchased locally. The Edenbridge Emergency Planning Committee is in the process of reviewing its plans and the Council has already adopted a revised policy for provision of sandbags.

In times of widespread flooding the availability of sandbags can be limited, and in light of this and to assist as many residents as possible, subject to availability a maximum 6 sandbags can be available to residents with priority given to elderly, vulnerable, or disable people, living in flood risk areas.

Should any residents wish to discuss specific concerns or difficulties experienced they may do so through the Chairman of the Town Council, Cllr. Robert Orridge via the Town Council Offices.

Christine Lane
Town Clerk
Edenbridge Town Council
01732 865368

Additional information

Edenbridge Revised Sandbag Policy 14 February

Subject to availability a maximum 6 sandbags will be made available for collection, or, in exceptional circumstances, delivered to the residents identified below along with advice on use, and health and safety guidance – verbally, or in form of an adapted Environment Agency leaflet. Residents in Housing Association accommodation should contact their Housing Association if further assistance is required. .

Distribution priorities

Edenbridge Primary School

Edenbridge Town Council Members, as trustees of The Norman Foundation, were delighted to note that Edenbridge Primary School were extremely grateful to receive a cheque for £958.50 from The Norman Foundation towards the installation of a low level sink in one of the classrooms.

Dr Rosemary Addison, at Edenbridge Primary School said:
“The new child friendly sink has been welcomed in the Reception classroom, as the children can now access the tap themselves, and also wash up their own paintbrushes and pots!”

Council’s charges for use of facilities

Edenbridge Town Councillors were pleased to be able to hold the prices for the use of its facilities, in line with the lower measure inflation figures at 2.2% based on the Consumer Price Index. This is to help keep costs for residents hiring Rickards Hall, having an allotment or using the cemetery as low as possible.

For more information contact 01732 865368.

Your Council needs you

Following the resignation of Cllrs Mrs Terri Scanes no requests for a by-election had been received by the Monitoring Officer, and it is now time to co-opt people to fill the vacancies. Anyone wishing to apply should do so in writing to the Clerk, Edenbridge Town Council.

Councillors work together to make decisions on local services and amenities for the town and ensure the council tax raised is prudently used. The work can be both challenging and rewarding.

Any applications received will be considered by the July Council meeting. Applications to be considered will need to in the Clerk’s possession by 9am by Wednesday 2 July.

Christine Lane
Town Clerk
Edenbridge Town Council
01732 865368

Department of Transport plays down possibility of extending the Uckfield line

A recent Network Rail paper, accompanied by a letter from the Department of Transport, was received with extreme disappointment, in its apparent dismissal of moves towards the much-needed restoration of the Uckfield line. It will not prevent continuing pressure from all users and authorities to see this line being restored and eventually extended to Brighton.

Lindsey Eaton
Edenbridge Town Council
01732 865368

Neighbourhood Plan project launched

Edenbridge community has the chance to shape the way the area will develop and look over the next 16 years through creating a Neighbourhood Plan.

The project was launched at the Annual Town Meeting on Monday and aims to produce really local planning policies to guide the development of the parish up to 2030. First step is to seek the views of local people on Edenbridge now, and what they want for the future. Thousands of leaflets (see attached) are being distributed with those questions – what kind of homes, jobs and businesses, leisure, transport and environment would people like?

The aim is to have replies from all ages, from children to pensioners, and from all parts of the community, from shoppers and commuters, to retailers, residents, and employers. There will quickly follow other ways for people to have their say, on-line and in person, at community events, in the High Street, at stations, at meetings of local organisations, as the strategy unfolds for engaging with local people.

The replies will highlight issues which may be covered by creating local planning policies.
These need to fit in with the layers of planning policy from national level downward, but this is a chance for local communities to influence their future, with policies which must be sustainable and deliverable, and supported by evidence of their need.

Edenbridge has been awarded £4,000 of the Government funding allocated through Locality to communities nationwide for preparing Neighbourhood Plans, and also has direct support from officers appointed from Planning Aid England.

A Steering Group of representatives from interested local organisations has formed to progress the project, including the Chamber of Commerce, housing associations, Kent Wildlife Trust, Sustainable Edenbridge and the Town Council. Sub-groups will be formed to work on specific topics, and anyone interested in helping with the project is invited to get in touch.

The finished Plan will have to pass independent examination, and be supported by voting in a local referendum, which is aimed for next year. “As the community is creating the Plan, hopefully people will then be voting for something they already know they want,” says Kathy Staff, co-ordinator of the Neighbourhood Plan project.

Brightening up Edenbridge Town Station

Sharon Gray, from Sussex Community Rail Partnership, is working with a local company which has agreed to brighten up Edenbridge Town Station. The two flower beds in front of the station are very overgrown, blocking the view of the lovely building, and James Kemp, from Well Kempt Gardens, is in the process of clearing and planting up the beds. As a local businessman, he’s keen to help make Edenbridge an attractive town.

Neighbourhood Plan project launched – have your say!

Edenbridge community has the chance to shape the way the area will develop and look over the next 16 years through creating a Neighbourhood Plan.

The project was launched at the Annual Town Meeting on Monday and aims to produce really local planning policies to guide the development of the parish up to 2030. First step is to seek the views of local people on Edenbridge now, and what they want for the future. Thousands of leaflets are being distributed with those questions – what kind of homes, jobs and businesses, leisure, transport and environment would people like?

The aim is to have replies from all ages, from children to pensioners, and from all parts of the community, from shoppers and commuters, to retailers, residents, and employers. There will quickly follow other ways for people to have their say, on-line and in person, at community events, in the High Street, at stations, at meetings of local organisations, as the strategy unfolds for engaging with local people.

The replies will highlight issues which may be covered by creating local planning policies.
These need to fit in with the layers of planning policy from national level downward, but this is a chance for local communities to influence their future, with policies which must be sustainable and deliverable, and supported by evidence of their need.

Edenbridge has been awarded £4,000 of the Government funding allocated through Locality to communities nationwide for preparing Neighbourhood Plans, and also has direct support from officers appointed from Planning Aid England.

A Steering Group of representatives from interested local organisations has formed to progress the project, including the Chamber of Commerce, housing associations, Kent Wildlife Trust, Sustainable Edenbridge and the Town Council. Sub-groups will be formed to work on specific topics, and anyone interested in helping with the project is invited to get in touch.

The finished Plan will have to pass independent examination, and be supported by voting in a local referendum, which is aimed for next year. “As the community is creating the Plan, hopefully people will then be voting for something they already know they want,” says Kathy Staff, co-ordinator of the Neighbourhood Plan project.

Press Release 21 January 2014

Edenbridge Council tax element to increase by 18 pence a week.

For the past three years Edenbridge Town Council has been able to avoid increasing its element of the Council Tax and pay for all inflationary cost increases by improved efficiency. The Council regrets, that in order to deal with actions beyond its control and maintain the valued services it provides to residents, it needs to increase the Band D rate of Council Tax by 18p per week to £2.49 (7.9%). A year ago central government transferred responsibility for paying Council Tax Benefit to low income households from Department of Work and Pensions to local councils. Edenbridge Town Council was required to fund more than £48,000. Central Government provided a grant, passed to us through Sevenoaks District Council, of £42,208 and the Town Council reduced its costs to fund the remainder. This year Central Government has told us on numerous occasions that a similar grant has been allocated to the District Council which they expected to be passed to town and parish councils. However, Sevenoaks District Council has stated that they have been unable to identify any funding for towns and parishes in the grants they have been allocated and none will be passed down. The Council Tax paid to Edenbridge Town Council is used to maintain Stangrove and Blossoms Parks, the Cemetery, Lingfield Road Recreation Ground, two allotment sites and four children’s playgrounds. It works with local sports clubs at Lingfield Road, Blossoms Park and Mowshurst. Church House and Rickards Hall are maintained as community buildings and Doggetts Barn houses the Visitor Information Point and Town Council Offices. The Council generates income from its assets, which helps to offset the amount needed from residents to provide services in Edenbridge and Marsh Green. In addition, Councillors respond to planning applications and represent residents’ concerns at local and national level, most recently relating to the new supermarket applications and airport expansion. They support the Tourism Forum, run the local emergency response and work with a raft of local organisations.

“Despite all our best endeavors and continued cost reduction measures over the last three years we are now faced with an entirely unexpected reduction in funding from the District Council. Until now, as a Council we have, unlike some of our neighbouring councils, been able to protect residents from the impact of rising costs and loss of services and have had three years of 0% increase. This year we find ourselves with no other option but to raise the precept. It is realised that any increase will put pressure on families’ and individuals’ budgets to find this increase and sympathise with them.”

For further information please contact Christine Lane, Town Clerk. 01732 865368

PRESS RELEASE 13 December 2013

Edenbridge Town Council wants to be able to continue to offer burials within the town and in order to do so, needs to extend the cemetery. Plans include the removal of the children’s playground and soft landscaping, and planning consent has now been received from Sevenoaks District Council. Following consultations, the work is expected to take place in spring next year.

PRESS RELEASE 13 December 2013

Edenbridge Town Council is pleased to support Edenbridge In Bloom in 2014 which Coolings Nurseries have offered to co-ordinate. Established in 1963, In Bloom is the largest horticultural competition in the country and runs every spring, at national, regional, and local level, with a wide range of categories available to enter – enabling almost every kind of gardener to get involved from front gardens, allotments and environmental projects, through to various business categories. In recent years the emphasis has moved away from specifically floral planting to more sustainable displays, bee-friendly and lower-maintenance.

PRESS RELEASE 13 December 2013

Following a presentation from members of the Youth Forum at the November Council meeting, Edenbridge Town Council is delighted to announce the creation of a Youth Action Working Group. Five councillors will work in collaboration with young people in Edenbridge, including members of the Youth Forum, other youth groups and individual young people. The aim is to look at different options to improve and support current youth activities, identify new ones, and investigate funding sources.

PRESS RELEASE 13 December 2013

Two places were available for co-option as Members and, after a selection process, Edenbridge Town Council is pleased to announce that Jo Chappell and Darryl Easton have been co-opted.

Jo Chappell is well known as a partner in Piper’s Florist, which gives her an opportunity to pick up on issues. She is constantly encouraged by the growing sense of pride in the town.

Darryl Easton is also a local businessman. The former naval officer is a director of Edenbridge Cricket Club, running the Junior Section as well as playing for the senior sides. He keeps fit competing in triathlons and long distance running events.

They are both looking forward to playing a role in the future of the town.

NEWS RELEASE 23 October 2013

New Community Warden for Edenbridge

Edenbridge has a new Community Warden in the shape of Rose Briggs who took up her
post this month. She has been appointed by partner organisations of the Edenbridge Community Warden Steering Group which fund the new post. These include the Town Council, which manages the role on behalf of the Group, also two local charities, and housing associations. Together the Group contributes a jig-saw of funding to ensure there is a Warden role in the parish.

Rose brings to the post past experience in the police and education, and enjoys the outdoor environment in her personal life. These skills and interests will be useful in the role of Warden.

Of her new post, she says: “ I have received a warm and friendly welcome in Edenbridge. I am looking forward to working with the community, and with local support would like to explore the idea of setting up a Speedwatch group.” Rose will be working three days a week on flexible hours, including some evening and weekend work at times.

The previous warden, Richard Gordon, has moved away from the south-east with his family, but will help introduce Rose to some of the activities within the post, which provides a link with many organisations working in and for the community. These will include patrolling the parish to monitor for graffiti, fly-tipping, and vandalism, and a wide range of other issues which affect the well-being and safety of the community. The new warden will spend induction time also with local housing association officers, visiting areas of the town where their properties are.

Steering Group chairman Graham Coldman says: “We are delighted to welcome Rose as the new Community Warden, as she builds upon the foundations laid over previous years by Richard, and before him Alex. Rose will contribute to making Edenbridge a pleasant, safer, and cleaner place in which to live. ”

Kathy Staff (Mrs)
Administrator
Community Warden Steering Group


For more information contact 01732 865368.