Useful links
Downsmail: www.downsmail.co.uk - lots of local information.
www.Walking-Routes.co.uk - contains over 700 active links to web pages containing 1000's of walking routes, walk descriptions, maps etc.
KCC Waste Management: www.waronwaste.co.uk
Clean Kent Campaign: www.cleankent.com
Affordable Homes in Kent: www.affordablehomeskent.org
Recycling Guide: www.recycling-guide.org.uk
Kent Police: www.kent.police.uk
Kent Road Safety website: http://www.kentroadsafety.info/index.php
Maidstone Borough Council - www.digitalmaidstone.co.uk
LOG ONTO www.digitalmaidstone.co.uk/news
SUBSCRIBE TO www.youtube.com/user/maidstonecouncil
FOLLOW US ON www.twitter.com/maidstonebc
JOIN US ON www.facebook.com search for Maidstone Borough Council
Mike Phillips - Mid Kent Downs
Projects Officer
Mid Kent Downs Countryside
Partnership,
West
Barn, Penstock Hall Farm,
Ashford,
TN25 5LL
01303 815170
Working days: Monday, Tuesday,
Thursday and Friday
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Are you worried about speeding vehicles in your area?
Do you wish to do something about it?
Do you have a couple of hours that you could spare to become involved?
The Parish Council has the equipment for residents to run a Speed Watch Campaign but needs volunteers to use speed indication equipment to log registrations of vehicles speeding through the parish.
A few volunteers have been trained but for this to be successful and for it to appear in your area more volunteers are needed. The Parish Council will ensure that the equipment is taken to the approved sites and the Police are notified of the date and place of speed watch. All the Parish Council asks is for volunteers to be there to observe and help with the recording process.
Training will be given and anyone interested should contact the parish office for further information.
Public Rights of Way.
To report problems with a public right of way telephone 01233 820797 or wesstkentprow@kent.gov.uk
Vehicles causing an
obstruction.
Residents should report this directly to the Police.
Vehicles causing a
nuisance rather than an obstruction.
PCSO
will consider (if they are breaching Highway Code leaving a 'friendly advice
note' on the window screen.
Untaxed vehicles.
The
PCSO keeps an eye out for these but residents can
also report them directly to the DVLA on 08000 325202.
Manhole covers
dislodged, potholes, damaged footways etc.
Residents can report these by telephone to Kent
Highway Services on 08458 247800 or by using KCC website
Littering, un-emptied
litter bins etc.
Residents can notify MBC of a litter pick need by
telephoning 01622 602162 The Parish Council will place the street clean schedule
on the website.
MBC runs regular volunteer cleans (Captain Clean)
and any resident can organise one.
Dog Fouling
Residents can report problems areas to MBC or
offenders on 01622 602162. Parish
Council would welcome details as it will task the PCSO to go to the area.
PCSO will work with MBC to target the offending area but it would very
helpful if residents could log any regular times when the dogs are walked.
This allows officers to target the area at the correct time
As a householder, make sure that trades people taking away your rubbish follow
the waste rules.
The law now states that if you have any of your rubbish removed and it ends up
being flytipped, you could be held responsible and fined. When dealing with
waste removal services or trade people like plumbers, builders or gardeners,
always ask them for a valid waste carriers licence. If you want to dispose of
the rubbish yourself take it to your local household waste recycling centre
www.kent.gov.uk/recycleforkent
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
1. Ask the waste removal service / tradesperson for their waste carrier licence
number.
2. Check their waste carrier licence number or their company name by visiting:
* the Clean Kent website www.cleankent.com and following the link to the
Environment Agency or call:
* The Environment Agency on 0870 850 6506 or visit:
* www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk for details of businesses vetted and approved by
Trading Standards
3. Please keep a note of all the information that you receive from the
contractor and a receipt for any work done. If they are not registered don't use
them. Inform Clean Kent of the trader immediately by calling 0845 345 0210.
Do remember if you see someone flytipping call Clean Kent on 0845 345 0210. All
calls are confidential
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Trading
Standards
The
role of Trading Standards is to provide advice and guidance to consumers and
businesses. Amongst other tasks we try to disrupt the activities of doorstep
criminals. If necessary we can prosecute the worst offences provided we have
sufficient evidence. Please take the time to report doorstep criminals to us via
Consumer Direct on 0845 404 05 06. The information we receive is valued.
Consumer Direct can also give you information on your rights as a consumer.
Visit our website at www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/kent to find out more about
what we do.
We have recently published a booklet "The Smart Guide to Scams - How to
deal with doorstep criminals, scam mail and unwanted phone calls" to get a
copy email tsadvice@kent.gov.uk
or view it on line at http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/kent/documents/AE%20factsheets/The%20smart%20guide%20to%20scams.pdf
Doorstep Callers
Doorstep Callers offering most goods or services valued at over £35.00
should provide you with a 7 day cancellation period in writing. A recent change
to the law means that you will be able to cancel any contract made while in your
home; this applies to both cold callers and businesses you invite to call.
Always carefully consider any offer that is made to you at your door. If you are
told work needs to be done on your property take extra care. There are very few
jobs around the house that need to be done immediately. Do not be pressurised
into making an instant decision.
Call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk for
further advice or to report any details that have been taken e.g. descriptions
of the caller(s) vehicle details/registrations, phone numbers.
Check out the Buy with Confidence Scheme for details of approved traders you can
trust at www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk or by ringing Trading Standards on 01233
652385
Scam Mail
Scam mail could be mail order catalogues, letters asking for your assistance
in transferring money, letters telling you that you have won a prize in a draw
or offering to tell you your future. Never respond as it could increase the
amount of scam mail that you will get. Dispose of it in your recycling bag
remembering to remove any personal information.
Unwanted Mail
By registering with the Mail Preference Service it is possible to reduce the
amount that is received. It is a free service. It is unlikely that this will
stop any mailings from abroad.
Mailing Preference Service
DMA House
70
Tel 0845 703 4599 www.mpsonline.org.uk
Unwanted Telephone Calls
Register with the Telephone Preference Service to reduce the number of unwanted
calls. It is unlikely to stop calls coming from outside the
Telephone Preference Service
DMA House
70
Tel 0845 070 0707 www.tpsonline.org.uk
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