JTB approves Otford and Eynsford schemes

Schemes in Otford and Eynsford were approved at last night’s Sevenoaks Joint Transportation Board.

For Otford, 20mph schemes were approved for High Street, Pilgrims Way East (as far as the junction with Beechy Leas Road). Row Dow (257 metres up from the junction with PWE), Sevenoaks Road (to 20 metres south of the roundabout) and Station Road (as far as Colets Orchard). As local County Councillor, I spoke in favour of approval, as did District and Parish Councillor Irene Roy, who has led the development of the wider Otford Traffic Management schemes. I am supporting the overall plans with £5,000 from my Combined Member Grant. The scheme was approved unanimously. 

The Eynsford scheme is for no loading/ unloading restrictions in parts of Riverside to supplement the double yellow lines and enhance enforcement there (on the basis that vehicles can be moved pretty quickly before Sevenoaks DC enforcement officers can gather evidence and issue a penalty notice). The scheme will be taken forward by Sevenoaks District Council and was discussed with and supported by the Parish Council. I am contributing £737 from my Grant. This scheme did not encounter any objections during consultation and was approved.

Bollards replaced in Holmesdale Road

The bollards in Holmesdale Road near Giffords Cottages which I funded from my Member Grant in 2016 were knocked down by a car at the end of October. Tomorrow (Saturday 30 January) will see a road closure between the junctions with Devon Road and East Hill to enable Kent Highways to replace the bollards. The closure is scheduled for between 8 am and 2 pm.

A new Church Room for All Souls Crockenhill

Yesterday I was delighted to attend the opening of the new Church Room - actually, a stand alone small building - serving All Souls Church in Crockenhill. The Room was opened, after s short service of dedication, by the Venerable James Logstaff, Bishop of Rochester.

The project has been long in its development and - like many a building project - has brought a fair amount of anxiety and heartache along the way. That it has been delivered is a big tribute to the church and wider community of Crockenhill. The Room will serve both for church functions, including hopefully Sunday School, and the Crockenhill community as a whole - as a result of the latter, I was able to give some support (£2,000 from my Combined Member Fund, which contributed towards the floor). The building (and the floor) look wonderful and hopefully will be a valued resource for years to come.