Highways tour of Shoreham

Earlier this year at a public meeting I chaired in Shoreham, many residents were keen that we took an overall look at the highways problems in the village. So today I walked the village with members of the parish council and Kent Highways officers.We identified where weeds need tackling and road signs need cleaning.

We also examined possible sites for 'gateways' making it clearer to drivers that they are entering the village; sites for speed and traffic logs, again at the approaches to the village; ways to enhance the pathways to the station; and extra parking sites, an issue which is likely to be led by Sevenoaks District Council.

In addition, Kent Highways is currently re-examining its views on mirrors at road bends, which in the past it has been reluctant to endorse. There are possible sites in the village where these could be applied.

Tackling highways issues in Well Hill

Accompanied by an officer from Kent Highways, I met representatives from Well Hill Residents' Association to investigate the continuing problems on Rock Hill. Water flowing down the hill in the Bromley direction can quickly turn icy when it gets cold, making this steep hill treacherous.

Last year I asked a highways engineer to examine the problem and he asked Thames Water to carry out works on their pipes. However, that does not seem to have fixed the problem and so at my request Kent Highways are looking at the problem again.

While we were there, the Kent Highways officer and I also looked at drainage problems in Well Hill, in the dip in the road between Firmingers Road and Parkgate Road.

I hope to have further updates on both issues soon.

Yellow lines approved for Crown Road, Shoreham

At its March meeting, the Sevenoaks Joint Transportation Board voted in favour of putting in yellow lines at the corner of Crown Road and High Street in Shoreham, but not two other proposed sites (the Church Street bend near The George pub and the corner of Mill Lane). Following a representation that consultation figures had not been fully presented at the meeting, the JTB considered the issue again. I spoke in favour of the stance taken in March and the JTB voted in favour of this.

Minerals and Waste: Badgers Mount sites NOT allocated

For a year, Badgers Mount residents have fought against two proposals submitted by developers as part of the 'call for sites' for the Kent Minerals and Waste Development Framework: an aggregates recycling centre on the former Chelsfield Ammunition Depot (owned by FM Conway) and a 'waste recycling facility' - aka an incinerator - near Hewitt's Roundabout at the other end of the Orpington by-pass.

Both plans were a serious threat to the way of life of Badgers Mount community. I worked closely with the Badgers Mount Residents Association to oppose these plans - making the case to KCC officers and Members, and speaking for the community at a related planning inquiry.