A brand new Maidstone Task Force, made up of Police Officers working alongside Maidstone Borough Council’s Community Protection Team and other partners to tackle crime, social deprivation and health inequality issues within Maidstone has been set up.
The Force will help identify and tackle crime hot spots and trends, helping to identify vulnerability, providing protection and support to local communities where necessary. They will focus on different geographical areas which will be identified using data held by Kent Police and partner agencies and through utilising evidence from the local Strategic Assessment.
The new team will initially focus on Shepway, building relationships within the local community and helping to reduce crime in the area.
Martyn Jeynes, Community Protection Manager at Maidstone Borough Council said:
“We put partnership at the heart of everything we do, and it’s working! We want to ensure Maidstone is a place where people feel safe and are safe. We are really looking forward to working with local communities to help understand their concerns and to utilise the strengths from within those communities and with the combined strengths of the Task Force, bring about sustainable positive changes.“The Maidstone Task Force will be supported by many other agencies, such as the Kent Violence Reduction Unit and Kent County Council Children Services. Working with local services within our focus areas, such as religious groups, charities and support services, we want to address those issues that increase crime and deprivation and drive health inequalities.”
Kent Police Maidstone Task Force Sergeant Tony Nolan said:
“There is a solid Community Safety Partnership in place in Maidstone and the Task Force provides an opportunity to focus our combined resources to get under the skin of issues that have plagued some of our communities for decades. We want to work with those communities to make changes that will not only protect the vulnerable now but will protect generations to come.”
Stephen Timms, Community Safety Lead at Golding Homes said:
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with MBC and Kent Police on this task force, we want our communities to be places where people can thrive and we believe this task force can help to make a real positive difference to people.”
The Task Force will be governed by an Executive Board consisting of senior leaders from statutory bodies and commissioned services and joint chaired by the Chief executive of Maidstone Borough Council Alison Broom and the West Kent Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Robert Fordham.
Pumpkin trail for families to enjoy the Halloween season safely
Families are being encouraged to take part in a district-wide pumpkin trail which will give the opportunity to celebrate Halloween in a fun, spooky and COVID-secure way.
This year, coronavirus restrictions mean we need to look at different ways of marking seasonal events and stick to a safer way of having fun.
Working in partnership with Active Essex and Barnardo’s, Braintree District Council are encouraging residents and partners to take part in a district-wide Halloween Pumpkin Trail where they can design their own pumpkins or Halloween drawings and display in the window of their home, as a way of building community spirit and creating an activity everyone can take part in.
Families can take a walk around their local community and see what ones they can spot as part of Active Essex’s Daily Mile initiative which aims improve children’s physical activity in an easy, inclusive and fun way.
For every daily mile they complete, parents can download a certificate to give to kids for taking part.
A Halloween-themed colouring sheet is available to download online that can be used as part of people’s pumpkin trail displays which can be found on the Visit Braintree District website or follow Visit Braintree District on Facebook and Instagram. A list of local buildings and landmarks that are taking place can also be found on the website that parents can use as a checklist to visit.
Councillor Frankie Ricci, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Tourism at Braintree District Council, said: “Halloween is a great time of year but it will be a little different for us all. This trail is a fantastic way to enjoy this year’s Halloween celebrations in a COVID secure way as it’s important that we stick to the guidelines to reduce the spread of the virus and protect each other. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone’s displays whether that’s a pumpkin carving or a spooky picture, which we know will bring some real community spirit to the district.”
Hollie Wood, Assistant Relationship Manager at Active Essex, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the Braintree District Halloween Pumpkin Trail this year. 2020 has seen many inventive adaptations and Halloween is no exception in Braintree! For most of us, getting outside in the fresh air has been a lifeline, and over half term you and your family can get creative, get dressed up and get outside to join in the fun. We’ve teamed the Pumpkin trail up with The Daily Mile™ too so you can download a certificate as a bonus ‘treat’!”
Karen March, Community Engagement Worker for Braintree district at Barnardo’s, said: “Essex Child and Family Wellbeing service aims to make sure that everyone in Essex has the best possible start in life by meeting the identified needs of children, young people and families. Support your emotional wellbeing and stay active by getting out with your family with fantastic half term trail, if you’re feeling like you need a bit more support Essex Child and Family Wellbeing Service is here to help.”
The idea for the Halloween-themed trail was inspired by the rainbow trail which gave youngsters something to spot on their daily walks, as households created their own rainbows and posted them in windows.
A dedicated Facebook event page has been created for residents to post their photos which will be shared across social media in the lead up to Halloween – search Braintree District Halloween Pumpkin Trail on Facebook.
Residents are encouraged to come up with some creative ways to celebrate Halloween safely this year, whilst sticking to the current coronavirus guidelines to protect family and friends and help stop the spread of coronavirus. Residents can watch a Halloween safety advice video from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.
Four parks in Folkestone & Hythe are once again flying the flag for the district – quite literally – by each being awarded a prestigious international accolade.
The Royal Military Canal in Hythe and Folkestone’s Lower Leas Coastal Park and Radnor Park – all of which are managed by Folkestone & Hythe District Council – have retained their Gr een Flag status this year.
Brockhill Country Park in Saltwood, which is maintained by Kent County Council, has also received the same recognition.
The award is given to green spaces which boast the highest possible environmental standards, are beautifully maintained and have excellent visitor facilities.
Cllr John Collier, F&HDC Cabinet Member for Property Management and Grounds Maintenance, said: “It is brilliant to see that these parks have been presented Green Flag awards again.
“With everything that has happened this year, our parks and open spaces have been valued more than ever by our residents.
“Special thanks must go to our excellent team which maintains these parks to such a high standard year in, year out.”
The Green Flag Award scheme is managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy (KBT) and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for their management across the country and the world.
KBT chief executive Allison Ogden-Newton added: “It is testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of parks staff and volunteers that F&HDC has achieved the highest international standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”
The Civic Centre was lit up in green this week to mark the achievement, joining hundreds of other buildings across the country. For more information about the Green Flag Award scheme, visit www.greenflagaward.org.uk
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Councillor Seán Woodward, Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage, has welcomed news that three of the County Council’s country parks are officially among the best in the world, with each of them awarded the internationally recognised Green Flag for 2020.
The international quality mark is a sign to the public that Lepe, Queen Elizabeth and Royal Victoria country parks boast the highest possible environmental standards, are beautifully maintained, and have excellent visitor facilities.
Royal Victoria Country Park, which the County Council manages in partnership with the Forestry Commission, has also received the much-coveted Green Heritage Site Accreditation for the management of its historic features.
Councillor Woodward said: “We are proud to have our popular country parks recognised once again as world class open spaces. This year the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted just how vital it is for people to spend regular, quality time outdoors – not just for good physical health but also for mental wellbeing.
“Our Country Parks’ latest Green Flag Awards are the result of our staff, volunteers and partners’ hard work and passion, and I am deeply grateful for their dedication to ensure these stunning sites are safe and accessible for all to enjoy.”
The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for their management across the United Kingdom and around the world.
Commenting on the three country parks’ success, Keep Britain Tidy Chief Executive Allison Ogden-Newton OBE said: “This year, more than ever, our parks and green spaces have been a lifeline and we know that millions of people have used them to relax, meet friends, exercise or simply escape for a short time.
“It is testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of parks staff and volunteers that, despite the challenges that went along with record numbers of visitors, Hampshire County Council has achieved the highest international standards for Lepe, Queen Elizabeth and Royal Victoria country parks demanded by the Green Flag Award.”
The County Council is investing extensively in its Country Parks to make them even more enjoyable, with projects that have collectively attracted nearly £7 million in external funding, as part of a £19.5 million total spend. Significant improvements have already been made to facilities and historical features at Lepe, Royal Victoria and Queen Elizabeth country parks and transformation work at Staunton and River Hamble country parks, such as providing new and improved visitor centres, is well underway. The County Council did not submit Staunton and River Hamble country parks for this year’s Green Flag Awards due to the development works taking place.
Councillor Woodward added: “Our parks have welcomed visitors and encouraged them to get away from it all in our beautiful natural environment for over 40 years. That’s why we’re committed to investing in our country parks to continue to strive for excellence and give our visitors a world-class experience.”
Each of Hampshire’s country parks offers something unique.
Facilities at Lepe Country Park on the coast of the New Forest have been recently improved with a new restaurant offering views of the Solent and Isle of Wight, sensory garden, play equipment, landscape works and better car parking.
Queen Elizabeth Country Park, near Petersfield, is Hampshire’s biggest country park with more than 200 acres of woodland and downland. The park’s visitor centre will be transformed to include a bigger restaurant, more welcoming entrance, outdoor sheltered area and space for tourism-based businesses.
Royal Victoria Country Park sits on the shores of the Solent, near Netley. The refurbishment of its historic Chapel, the only remaining part of what was once the world’s largest military hospital of its time in 1863, has provided an extremely popular historic attraction for visitors.
River Hamble Country Park, near Bursledon, can be enjoyed by all – whether it’s walking, cycling or horse riding in the woods, or on the banks of the River Hamble. The ongoing transformation of this park this year will see a new visitor centre, improved play equipment and better paths and trail signage to attract more families and make it more accessible.
Staunton Country Park, near Havant, offers the perfect venue for keen walkers, cyclists and anglers. Adventure seekers can explore the park’s three permanent orienteering courses or wander into the tropics of the South Coast’s largest Victorian Glasshouse. Following a soon-to-be completed transformation, the park will also benefit from a new and improved visitor centre, café and improved parking.
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West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is urging residents in West Sussex to keep safe this bonfire and fireworks season.
With many organised events cancelled, emergency services are preparing for a busier night than usual as people celebrate in their own gardens.
We are asking everyone to show RESPECT this Bonfire Night.
Respect the Firework
Nicki Peddle, Head of Prevention, said: “Whilst most people enjoy fireworks responsibly, in the wrong hands they can cause real misery. Remember that they are explosives, and as such should be treated with respect and only used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the Firework Code.”
The Firework Code:
Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable, and ensure it finishes before 11pm
Only buy fireworks which carry the CE mark, keep them in a closed box and use them one at a time
Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary
Light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back
Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks
Never return to a firework once it has been lit
Don’t put fireworks in pockets and never throw them
Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators
Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire
Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving.
Respect the Emergency Services
With the impact of COVID-19, we are asking people not to take risks, putting additional pressures on our emergency services.
Injuries can be prevented by following the Firework Code. If you do suffer a burn, ensure you:
Cool the burn under cold running water for at least ten minutes.
After the burn has been cooled, cover it with cling film or a clean plastic bag.
Call 999 if necessary. Always seek medical advice for a baby or child that has been burned.”
Respect your neighbours (and animals!)
Fireworks can frighten people and animals. The elderly and children are frequently scared and intimidated by firework noise. After all, fireworks are explosives. Tell your neighbours if you’re a planning on letting off fireworks and avoid purchasing really noisy ones. Please be considerate when having a firework party and make sure the noise is over by 11pm.
You must not set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except for:
Bonfire Night, when the cut off is midnight
New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, when the cut off is 1am
We want to remind people that you must be over 18 to purchase fireworks and that it is illegal to set off or throw fireworks (including sparklers) in the street or other public places.
You can be fined up to £5,000 and imprisoned for up to 6 months for selling or using fireworks illegally. You could also get an on-the-spot fine of £90.
Fireworks can also cause a great deal of distress to animals. We are supporting RSPCA’s ‘Bang Out Of Order’ campaign, encouraging the responsible use of fireworks and the adoption of tighter regulations concerning their use.
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Officers from DDC’s environmental crime and licensing teams have taken part in a joint operation targeting metal waste crime with the Kent Police Rural Task Force, the Environment Agency and BT Open Reach Security. The operation was part of National Metal and Waste Crime Week.
As part of the operation, advice and guidance was given to licensed scrap metal sites across the Dover district to help them combat scrap metal crime. The high price of metal means that theft is often linked to organised crime.
Scrap metal dealers must have either a site or collector’s licence to carry out business, and the operation also involved checks to make sure dealers had the correct environmental permits and that they were complying with their obligations under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013.
A warrant obtained by DDC officers was also executed at a suspected unlicensed scrap metal site and further investigations are ongoing.
A number of vehicles carrying waste and scrap metal were also stopped and checks were conducted to ensure compliance.
Cllr Nicholas Kenton, DDC’s cabinet member for regulatory services, said: “The vast majority of scrap metal dealers operate well-managed businesses, but this is a sector of the waste market that can be prone to theft and fly-tipping. This was an excellent example of how we work with partners to closely monitor and regulate activities involving scrap metal.”
Sergeant Darren Walshaw, of Kent Police’s Rural Task Force, said: “We work closely with our local authority partners to tackle the issue of fly-tipping and send a message to those intent on illegally disposing of waste that it will not be tolerated.
“Fly-tipping is not just littering, it is organised criminality. The problem blights communities and some waste, like asbestos, can pose a significant health risk to the public.
“Everyone has a responsibility to tackle the issue and I would ask anyone having waste removal to ensure that the person taking their rubbish away is licensed to do so. Many are unaware that they may be fined if their rubbish is linked to their household, even if they have paid someone to dispose of it.
“By working with our partners and local people we can make a positive difference and protect our countryside from fly-tippers.”
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Hylands Estate receives lifeline grant from Culture Recovery Fund
Hylands Estate is one of 445 heritage organisations across the country set to get a financial boost from the government thanks to the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund.
The historic estate, which hosts a wide range of events, has received £105,000 from the fund to help it to become more resilient in the year ahead. With many activities and functions cancelled since lockdown in March, Hylands Estate has lost much of its usual income. It hopes this funding will help the venue to remain relevant in a changing world and to improve the visitor experience for both Hylands House and The Stables.
This vital funding is from the Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage and the Heritage Stimulus Fund – funded by Government and administered at arm’s length by Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Both funds are part of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund which is designed to secure the future of Britain’s museums, galleries, theatres, independent cinemas, heritage sites and music venues with emergency grants and loans.
Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, said:
“As a nation it is essential that we preserve our heritage and celebrate and learn from our past. This massive support package will protect our shared heritage for future generations, save jobs and help us prepare for a cultural bounceback post covid.”
Chelmsford City Council’s Cabinet Member for Greener and Safer Chelmsford, Cllr Rose Moore, said:
“This award is great news at a difficult time for the venue. The Chelmsford community is very proud of our iconic property, which should have hosted countless festivals, weddings, and performances over the last few months. Although the team has worked tirelessly to keep things going, 2020 has been hard. These funds will help Hylands Estate cope with whatever 2021 has in store.
The money will allow Hylands House and The Stables to make use of the latest technology, enable crucial staff training to go ahead and help the estate to find new ways to engage future visitors.”
Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:
“It is absolutely right that investing in heritage should be a priority during this crisis and this support by Government is crucial. Heritage creates jobs and economic prosperity, is a major driver for tourism and makes our towns, cities, and rural areas better places to live. All of this is so important for our wellbeing and will be particularly vital when we start to emerge from this incredibly difficult time.”
Thanet District Council confirms Test and Trace Discretionary Scheme
A new Test and Trace discretionary funding scheme to support residents in Thanet on low incomes, who don’t qualify for the mandatory support payments, is now available.
From 28 September, people are required by law to self-isolate if asked to do so. To facilitate this the Government has introduced a Test and Trace Support Payment of £500 for eligible people on a lower income, who cannot work from home and have lost income as a result of self-isolating.
Separately there is also a Discretionary Fund that will run alongside the main Test and Trace Support Payments which will be managed at a local authority level. This is for people who meet the main qualifying criteria, so are on a low income and are unable to work because they are self isolating, but who do not qualify for the Government scheme as they’re not in receipt of the qualifying benefits but will experience extreme financial hardship. This includes individuals with No Recourse to Public Funds.
Government Test and Trace Support
In Thanet, individuals will be entitled to a Test and Trace Support payment if they have been told to stay at home and self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, either because they have tested positive for coronavirus or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive and
Are employed or self-employed;
Are unable to work from home and will lose income as a result;
And are currently receiving Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, income-based Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit and/or Pension Credit.
Thanet Discretionary Fund
To be considered for a Discretionary payment applicants must either: be awaiting a decision on a claim for benefit, have no recourse to public funds, or be at risk of suffering extreme and intolerable hardship.
In order to qualify for the payments residents need to complete an income and expenditure eligibility form which is available on the council’s website. If the form indicates that the person applying would be suffering extreme hardship then we will make an award.
The total number of people that will be eligible to receive help via the Discretionary Scheme is limited by the amount of funding available. To ensure that the assessments are undertaken fairly, pre-existing methodology and processes will be applied.
Leader of Thanet District Council, Cllr Rick Everitt said: “We welcome confirmation from Government that in addition to the statutory payments there is also a small discretionary fund. However, the amount that has been made available will only go so far. We’ve been allocated enough to make just over 90 discretionary payments in total. We hope that being able to offer some people this additional support will make a real difference in this difficult time. The criteria we’ve put in place for this aims to be as clear and as fair as possible so that people don’t slip through the net.
“At present the number of cases locally hasn’t risen at the speed seen in other parts of the UK and we hope it remains this way. It is however vital for us all to remain vigilant, to observe the rules around keeping our distance, wearing face coverings and good hand hygiene.”
The scheme for the delivery of the Discretionary Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme has been developed in line with guidance issued by the Department of Health and Social Care and will run until 31 January 2021. Anyone who has been advised to self-isolate by the NHS and needs to apply for this payment can now do so on our website.
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Garden waste vehicles in Lewes District get new look
Lewes District Council’s garden waste vehicles have been given a new look thanks to the appreciation of residents during Covid 19.
Since the start of the pandemic in March, many members of the public have placed thank you notes on their bins in appreciation of the work that carried on throughout lockdown to empty bins in the district. Those notes have been compiled into a poster, which is displayed on the garden waste vehicles and at the waste operation’s depot in Robinson Road, Newhaven, as a reminder for staff of residents’ kind words of appreciation.
Councillor Julie Carr, Cabinet Member for Recycling, Waste and Open Spaces, who visited the refuse, recycling and street cleaning teams at their depot in Robinson Road, Newhaven, said: “Our Environment First crews have been working harder than ever during the pandemic so it is wonderful to see that residents have really appreciated their efforts to keep the district clean.
“Our investment in relocating our waste services and creating a new state-of-the-art waste depot in Avis Way, Newhaven, replacing older vehicles and now bringing these services together under Environment First shows our commitment to prioritising the environment while at the same time maintaining a first-class service for residents.”
Councillor James MacCleary, Leader of Lewes District Council, said: “I am very proud of the fantastic job that continues to be carried out by our Environment First team during this challenging time.”
Sean Towey, Head of Environment First for Lewes District Council, said: “It was a real pleasure to have Councillors MacCleary and Carr visit our depot to share their positive experience of the service over the past plus year and more especially their gratitude particularly in light of Covid 19 and the challenges faced.”
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