Boxley Parish Mail

                                                                                                                                       'Investigate NOW Grove Green traffic'

NEW pressure is being applied by Boxley Parish Council on KCC to carry out a ,traffic investigation on the roads around Grove Green area.  Worries increase. now planning permission has been given for a large new private hospital to be built at Newnham Park east ,of the shopping centre with a road access on to the  roundabout at the northern  end of New Cut.  In addition planning permission has been granted for 1 well over 100 residential units on land in front of Maidstone Studio, New Cut.   Expansion of Eclipse Business Park continues with a further stage in the pipeline.   In addition changes have been mooted for Newnham Park Shopping Centre with the possibility of use of land east of the existing site.   Maidstone Council has proposals to resite an enlarged Sittingbourne Road Park-and-Ride on land at the western end of the shopping centre site,   All this development is in the pipeline at time when New Cut already has serious traffic overloading at peak times. This often means long delays for residents of Grove Green trying to leave the large estate on to the only exit road - New Cut.  KGC has been considering opening Averences Road as a second exit point.  There is a  ransom strip and fence across this road preventing  Grove Green traffic accessing Bearsted Road. But KCC is meeting strong opposition from residents of Bearsted Park who currently have a quiet cul-de-sac at the northern end of this road.   Boxley Parish Council, before deciding what stance it will take on the ransom stiip, wants a full investigation as to what the actual problems are and is pressing KCC to consider the impact of substantial traffic growth on the whole of this area.

When Ware Street closed

Maidstone Council approval for youth facilities on Weavering Heath the council is now concerned about slowness of construction.
The trim trail is not yet suitable for use and the council wants to see the approved sports wall available for use by young people by the spring.
The parish council has identified funding for the sports wall and is waiting for details from the Borough Council. The Borough Council is also considering whether there should be a sheltered seating point at Grove Green and is investigating suitable areas (the decision being taken not to place one at Weavering Heath). The parish considers that this would attract external funding and will not consider a request for financial support to " pay for the shelter unless this has been applied for. " The site for a 'huddle' or meeting place for young people of Grove Green has still to be agreed.
 Maidstone Council cabinet member Cllr Dan Daley later told the Mail the ground had to recover from winter wetness before work starts. The Sportswall had been ordered and had just become available. The trim trail path will also be laid in the spring.
The teen huddle will go to public consultation because it may occupy a site not previously advertised.  He said Penhurst Place may be able to be used due to improved CCTV capability. i

Improvements in Bredhurst Woods

A RECOMMENDATION that members of the council should visit Bredhurst Woods to see the many improvements came from Borough Councillor Mrs Wendy Hinder.
A lot has been achieved along the bridleway and it is really worth a visit, especially with spring approaching," she said.
Bredhurst Woodland Action Group's application for charity status is now going ahead.

Walking the Woods

The council is waiting for KCC to finish the investigation into making paths in Walderslade Woods public rights of way. The council plans to discuss providing a circular walk in the woods.

Problems over new house plan

Speedwatch plan for Boxley Road

THE council has undertaken it's first Speedwatch survey in Boxley Road area of Boxley village.
Concerns about speeding traffic between Penenden Heath and the village continue and in the hour that Speedwatch was in use eight drivers significantly exceeded the 30 mph limit. 
The problem has been highlighted recently by a fatal ,night-time crash at Harbourland which resulted in the death of a young mother.
Boxley Council, in collaboration with two neighbouring parishes (Bredhurst and Detling) , ran this speed watch because although Boxley has the equipment it does not have the volunteers. Bredhurst and Detling residents are also troubled by speeding vehicles and Boxley Parish Council is happy to loan its equipment to the volunteers from the neighbouring parishes.

Storeroom repair

THE council agreed to release £17,000 earmarked for repair of the storage room at Vinters Valley Nature Reserve  following serious problems with the foundations.

Grove Green anti social behaviour

PROBLEMS with anti-social behaviour continue around the old church conservation site at Grove Green, close to the Tesco supermarket, Borough Councillor Mrs Wendy Hinder reported.
She explained Tesco has agreed to clear up and keep tidy the area around the store and this was being done.
Maidstone Council now has an enforcement order for the church to clear up its site and Cllr Hinder has discussed with a churchwarden how this can be achieved, perhaps with some help from the parish council.
She has impressed once again the need for youth facilities in Grove Green area.

Hall floor

SANDLING Village Hall has thanked the council for a donation towards floor renovations.

Annual meeting