RSS News from Medway Council en-gb Medway Council http://news.medway.gov.uk 09 Dec 2013 09:39:49 UT http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5582 05 Dec 2013 11:27:42 UT Throwing away the remains of a takeaway wrapping proved costly for a Medway woman. A member of the public contacted Medway Council to say he had seen a bag of rubbish being dumped from the passenger side of a vehicle in Albany Road in Gillingham. A registration check showed it belonged to Andrew Snook of |St Lukes Way, Allhallows, Rochester. A fixed penalty notice response form was sent to Mr Snook asking for details of the passenger. She was identified as Charlotte Hows of Binney Road, Allhallows and enforcement officers visited that address. Miss Hows confirmed she was the passenger and was aware of the incident. She was then issued with a fixed penalty notice. No payment was received and the case was sent to Medway Magistrates Court. Miss Hows failed to appear in court to answer the charge of non payment of an £80 Fixed Penalty Notice for littering. In her absence Miss Hows was fined £200 and ordered to pay costs of £278.31, plus a Victim Surcharge of £20. Cllr Peter Hicks, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Customer Contact, said: "Throwing litter in a public place is a thoughtless act that shows a lack of regard for others who live in and use the local area. "Members of the public can help us make Medway a better, cleaner place to live by reporting any selfish acts like this. If we have evidence of littering we will prosecute" "Medway Council has to spend nearly four million pounds of public money each year clearing away litter from our streets. "Discarded rubbish is unsightly for residents and visitors alike and we would ask people to think of others and use the bins provided for all litter rather than just thoughtlessly throwing rubbish into the street." Enforcement Communications False http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5581 04 Dec 2013 14:36:11 UT A pair of men's shoes led to the jailing of a Medway woman for four months for a sixty thousand pound benefit fraud. The shoes were seen by fraud investigators at the home of Deborah Burrows in Pankhurst Road, Hoo, Rochester and this led to her admission that she was living with a partner who was working, but had failed to tell the authorities from whom she was claiming benefit. Burrows, who is 37, pleaded guilty to three charges at Plymouth Crown Court under the Theft Act. The fraudulent claims covered a five year period. She appeared in court in Plymouth after moving to Devon from Medway. The prosecution was the result of a joint investigation by Medway Council and the Department for Work and Pensions. They are now recovering the money. The combined overpayment was £60,952.78 Of this total £35,657.09 was fraudulently claimed Housing Benefit, £7,500.59 Council Tax Benefit, £17582.10 Income Support and £213 Job Seekers and other allowances. Councillor Alan Jarrett, Medway Council's Deputy Leader and the Portfolio Holder for Finance, said : “This was a huge sum of money that was defrauded from the public. People must ensure they only claim what they are entitled to or they will face criminal action and have to pay back any money they have wrongly received. If someone is claiming benefit and their circumstances change they have a duty to tell the relevant authorities" Enforcement Communications True http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5576 04 Dec 2013 10:59:48 UT A Medway school is putting children’s rights first as it bids to achieve an international award. Brompton-Westbrook primary school in Gillingham is teaching its pupils the importance of children’s rights under a United Nations Children’s Fund scheme. A steering group of pupils and governors has already held assemblies, shared information at the school summer fair and published articles in the school newsletter. This has led to the school receiving recognition of its commitment from UNICEF as it starts working towards level 1 of the award. The steering group has also carried out fact finding sessions to establish what the children already knew, and what they wanted to do next for the award. Sue Mason, Acting Head of School, said: "We are delighted to achieve our 'Recognition of Commitment' status for the Rights Respecting Schools award from UNICEF. "The voice of the child is very important to Brompton-Westbrook as is understanding more about international human rights. The steering group are now ready to plan towards level 1 of the award, and embed the learning into the new National Curriculum recommendations." Cllr Mike O’Brien, Medway Council Lead Member for Children’s Services, said: “It is very important these days that children understand each other’s rights as it helps them to learn respect for one another. “I am very pleased that Brompton-Westbrook primary school has chosen to pursue this UNICEF award. It will enhance their reputation if they can show they are a rights respecting school.” For more details, go to www.unicef.org.uk/rrsa, email rrsa@unicef.org.uk or call 0207 375 6059. Childrens Care Communications True http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5577 04 Dec 2013 08:42:52 UT Five new companies invested in Medway in the first six months of this financial year, creating 196 new jobs and helping to preserve 60 according to new figures from Locate in Kent. This is nearly four times the target that had been set. Figures up to the end of September show Locate in Kent was dealing with another 126 firms who were actively looking at Medway as a location for their operations. The majority are UK based businesses but there was also interest from companies in the United States, France, India, Ireland and Italy. Nearly half were looking to set up manufacturing or distribution operations. Councillor Jane Chitty, the portfolio lead for strategic growth and economic development, said : "These figures show that Medway is an attractive destination for firms wishing to start up or to expand their business, and we are offering the right conditions for companies wishing to come here." Locate in Kent is Kent and Medway's investment agency. The company can provide all the vital information businesses need including an office and industrial property searches, ,location specific research, local knowledge and specialist contacts. Economic Development Communications True http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5572 03 Dec 2013 16:33:45 UT Following a decision by Natural England to confirm a Site of Special Scientific Interest on land at Lodge Hill, Chattenden earmarked for a new settlement the Council has had to withdraw its Core Strategy from an examination conducted by the Planning Inspectorate. The Core Strategy set out a development strategy for Medway up to the year 2028 and work will now commence on a new plan. See below for a link to the formal notice of withdrawal. http://www.medway.gov.uk/pdf/Letter%20-%20Withdrawal%20of%20Core%20Strategy.pdf Planning and Development Control Communications True http://collateral.vuelio.uk.com/RemoteStorage/Medway/Releases//Releases/5572/Letter - Withdrawal of Core Strategy.pdf http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5568 27 Nov 2013 16:58:36 UT Visitors to this year’s Rochester Dickensian Christmas Festival can take a glimpse into the world of Victorian children at Eastgate House. This new exhibition will feature a fascinating collection of authentic Victorian artefacts - including children’s clothing, toys and games, and a governess's teaching box. Medway artist Wendy Daws will be running free drop-in workshops at the house, offering visitors the chance to make their own Victorian Christmas decorations to take home. The workshops are suitable for all ages and places will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Eastgate House was used as a boarding school in the Victorian era and it was in this guise that Charles Dickens referred to it in two of his best-loved works, The Mystery of Edwin Drood and The Pickwick Papers. This will be the final chance to enter the house before the building closes for conservation work, through an exciting Heritage Lottery Funded project. The event runs from 7 to 8 December and is open from 11am to 5pm each day. Eastgate House is situated on Rochester High Street, close to the Blue Boar Lane public car park. Admission to the event is free. Cllr Howard Doe, Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said: "Eastgate House will be undergoing an important and exciting transformation next year after being awarded Heritage Lottery Funding. "This will see this great iconic building brought back to its former glory. As well as improved access to the building, there will be exhibitions, art galleries, and displays telling the story of the house and those who have lived and worked there for more than 400 years. "I would urge people to visit this exhibition during the Dickensian Christmas Festival, which will allow people to take part in a series of fitting festive fun events and find out more about Eastgate House and the work that will go into its restoration." Tourism Communications True http://collateral.vuelio.uk.com/RemoteStorage/Medway/Releases//Releases/5568/MC_111113_Eastgate_Christmas_70.jpg http://collateral.vuelio.uk.com/RemoteStorage/Medway/Releases//Releases/5568/MC_111113_Eastgate_Christmas_94.jpg http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5567 27 Nov 2013 12:01:16 UT Medway council and Kent Police are appealing for witnesses after Yorkstone paving slabs worth more than £7,000 were reported stolen from Rochester’s historic centre. It is believed that stolen highways barriers may have been set up to make it look as if legitimate work was being carried out while 40 square metres of paving were dug up at the junction of St Margaret’s Street and Boley Hill on Friday night. The location is right next to the historic heart of civic Rochester and right next to the famous cathedral and castle. Anyone who saw any suspicious activity is asked to contact PC Richard Strable of Kent Police on 07980 770496, quoting reference 26-0446. Medway council has temporarily closed the footpath and is seeking to get matching Yorkstone to replace the stolen slabs. Meanwhile, the footpath on the other side of the road is untouched. Cllr Phil Filmer, Portfolio Holder for Frontline Services, said: “This appears to be a brazen operation to make it look genuine. It would have taken time and effort to set up and work in this way. “It could be very difficult for the council to replace the missing slabs with matching Yorkstone as it is difficult to get hold of. “I would ask any resident who may have seen what was going on to contact the police as soon as possible.” The part of St Margaret’s Street where the incident happened lies within Rochester’s conservation area, where any changes to the road or buildings have to be carefully handled. Investigating officer, PC Strable, said: ''Rochester's city centre has great historical significance and this level of damage is unfortunate. ”We are still in the very early stages of the investigation and I would welcome anybody coming forward with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem. ”If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.” A 35-year-old man from Chatham has been arrested on suspicion of theft and bailed until 14 January. Highways Traffic and Parking Communications True http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5565 27 Nov 2013 11:48:15 UT A Medway woman has admitted benefit fraud of more than £9,500 after a joint investigation by Medway Council and the Department for Work and Pensions. Suzanne Ware, aged 39 from Kitchener Road in Rochester, pleaded guilty at Medway Magistrates to two charges under the Fraud Act. She failed to tell the authorities that her circumstances had changed and that she was living with a partner. She continued to claim housing benefit, council tax benefit and income support for a year. This resulted in a total overpayment of £9,541.78. This comprised Housing Benefit of £6191.94, Council Tax Benefit of £907.98 and Income Support of £2441.86 She was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment, suspended for 2 years, 150 hours community service and £85 costs Medway Council and the Department for Work and Pensions is recovering the money that was overpaid. Enforcement Communications False http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5563 26 Nov 2013 13:20:06 UT A Medway mother of three has admitted fraudulently claiming more than thirty three thousand pounds in benefits. Louise Simpson, aged thirty of Stanley Road, Gillingham, failed to tell the authorities that her circumstances had changed and that she was living with a partner. She continued to claim housing benefit, council tax benefit and income support for four years. She pleaded guilty to nine charges at Chatham Magistrates court of of dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances. Simpson was given a 6 month sentence (suspended for 2 years), ordered to do 300 hours unpaid work and to pay a victim surcharge of £80.00. The prosecution was the result of a joint investigation by Medway Council and the Department for Work and Pensions. They will now attempt to recover the money. The combined overpayment was £33,750.95. Of this total £27,763.64 was fraudulently claimed from Medway Council and £5,987.31 from the Department for Work and Pensions. Councillor Peter Hicks, the portfolio holder for Community Safety and Customer Contact said : “Cases like these send out a strong message to all benefits claimants. “They must make sure they only claim what they are entitled to or they will face criminal action and have to pay back any money they have wrongly received." Enforcement Communications False http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5560 26 Nov 2013 11:51:54 UT The first day of free festive parking will take place in Medway this Saturday (30 November). Medway Council is offering shoppers and traders a boost with the return of free parking days at council run car parks. The first day will be Saturday, 30 November, followed by Sunday, 1 December and Monday, 2 December at all public car parks. There will also be a bonus free parking day for those last minute purchases on Saturday, 21 December. Medway Council has brought forward the dates of the majority of free parking days this year after listening to local businesses who asked for an earlier start. Cllr Phil Filmer, Portfolio Holder for Front Line Services, said: “I hope these free parking days will provide shoppers with an extra incentive to visit Medway’s high streets and give our local shops and businesses a boost.” Details of all of Medway’s public car parks can be found at www.medway.gov.uk/parkingoptions Highways Traffic and Parking Communications True http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5562 26 Nov 2013 09:42:42 UT Award winning artist Jessie Brennan will give a free talk about her work this Saturday in Medway. She is currently exhibiting her river inspired commission, Adrift on Life’s Tides, at Rochester Art Gallery. Jessie Brennan graduated from the Royal College of Art in 2007 and runs workshops across London as well as lecturing at a number of British universities. Her work has also featured in international exhibitions including Holland and Portugal. She won the Jerwood Prize in 2011 for her work 'The Cut' which can be seen in the Rochester exhibition. She said : "The river Medway has such a rich industrial and social heritage; my project was a kind of tribute to an atmosphere loaded with the ghosts of Kingsnorth power station, The Medway Queen, Navy boys, women ropery workers, shipwrecks, paddle steamers, U-boats, RSPB reserves, nuclear facilities, visiting royalty, cement works, ship-breakers, anarchist river dwellers, developers and land grabbers." "I was attracted to Chatham Docks because it’s entering a new phase in its history changing the social fabric of the area and the way the river is used." The talk takes place this Saturday (30 November) from 1.00-2.30pm at Rochester Art Gallery. There is no need to book in advance - just turn up. The exhibition runs until January 4, 2014. Arts and Theatre Communications True http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5561 25 Nov 2013 16:53:51 UT Bookings and registrations are coming in thick and fast for Medway’s newest mass participation event – the Medway Big Splash. Extra pool parties have been added to the timetable after tickets for the first two events at Medway Park and Strood Sports Centre were all snapped up. Registrations are also flooding in from swimmers of all ages preparing to take on the main event – the Big Swim Challenge - as the organisers try to see how far Medway people can swim in one day. Some are doing it for charity, some as part of a team, others with their families. The weekend-long event on 18 and 19 January will showcase watersports, aquatics and water-based activity sessions, all culminating in the main event - a mass community swim challenge. It builds on the success of the annual Medway Mile, which now attracts thousands of people of every age for a one-mile walk or run around Rochester. The Big Splash, like the Medway Mile, is free to enter and is open to the whole community, from beginners to advanced swimmers, families and individuals. The programme for the weekend has three main elements: Medway Big Splash - Saturday, 18 January 10am-5pm at Medway Park and Strood Sports Centre: A day of pool-based family fun with taster sessions and lessons including diving and lifesaving, synchronised swimming, sub aqua and snorkelling, water polo and aqua zumba. Full timetables are available from the sports centre receptions or online at www.medway.gov.uk/bigsplash. Pre-booking is recommended to guarantee your place. Call 01634 336655 or book via reception. Family Big Splash Pool Parties – Join Medway's biggest pool party with inflatables and raft games, a family swim gala, races and medals and a pool disco. Additional sessions are to be held Sauturday, 18 January at Strood Sports Centre (3.30pm-5.30pm) and on Sunday, 19 January at Medway Park (3.30pm-5pm). Download a booking form at www.medway.gov.uk/bigsplash or ask at reception. The Medway Big Swim Challenge – Sunday, 19 January at Medway Park and Strood Sports Centre: We want to see how far Medway people can swim in one day. Take up the challenge and swim between one length and one mile, as a team or individually, for charity or just for fun. Every participant receives a free souvenir t-shirt. Pre-registration is essential for all sessions. The pool party is a free ticketed event and swimmers in the Big Swim Challenge will need to register and book a time slot at the pool of their choice. For more information and to download registration forms visit www.medway.gov.uk/bigsplash or visit Medway Park or Strood Sports Centres to pick up an information leaflet and forms. Events Communications True http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5558 21 Nov 2013 18:11:01 UT Following the news that central government's Secretary of State for Health has confirmed the closure of 'A' block at the Medway Maritime Hospital, which provides acute mental health inpatient beds, please see below a joint statement from Medway Councillors. Cllr David Brake, Portfolio Holder for Adult Services, and Cllr Teresa Murray, Deputy Leader of the Labour Group and Group Health Spokeswoman, said: "This decision will clearly dismay patients and their families, who all rely on this facility during times of crisis. "A cross-party group of Medway councillors worked to try and prevent the loss of ‘A’ Block and jointly funded an independent study, which clearly showed why this shouldn’t happen. "The report highlighted that KMPT’s proposals could not deliver the number of extra beds it claimed to do and contained no clear vision or strategy for strengthening community based support services. "Prior to this, the police and other health professionals also publically stated that a lack of acute beds and support from community mental health services had already forced them to deal with mental health patients in crisis, when not trained to do so. "Despite local users and their families putting forward passionate views and an independent report clearly advising against taking this facility out of Medway, the Secretary of State has - after listening to the advice of the Independent Reconfiguration Panel - made his decision. This decision is one that we believe lets down the people of Medway. "We note that the number of beds available has now increased by 24, following pressure by Medway’s councillors and the findings of the independent report, but we still strongly believe this area – which has a growing population – needs an acute mental health facility based here, not many miles away in other parts of Kent. "There may now be no other realistic option available to us to try to keep this facility within Medway, but we will now keep a watchful eye on this issue to ensure that the people in Medway receive a service that is fit for purpose. "We will also continue to lobby wherever we can for a local facility, as those that currently use 'A' Block are some of our most vulnerable residents and we have a duty of care to ensure they receive appropriate treatment." Members Services / Chief Executive Office Communications True http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5552 20 Nov 2013 14:51:44 UT Three Medway schools are delivering a recipe for success after scoring good results in their latest Ofsted reports. St Margaret’s at Troy Town Church of England Primary School and Children’s Centre in Rochester was rated as good overall, building on its last inspection when it was given a lower grade of satisfactory. Bradfields School in Churchill Avenue, Chatham maintained its good performance from Ofsted’s last visit, with the achievements of pupils classed as outstanding. Hempstead Junior School in Birch Grove, Hempstead also continued its good performance in all areas including achievement of pupils, quality of teaching, the behaviour and safety of pupils and leadership and management. All three schools were visited by Ofsted in October. At St Margaret’s at Troy Town pupils ‘standards have been steadily rising over the past three years and pupils make good progress in all years because teaching is good and sometimes outstanding. Teaching engages and enthuses pupils who have good attitudes to learning and want to do well’. The head teacher, deputy head teacher and governors were also praised for successfully improving the school from its position at the previous inspection. Ofsted said, they have ‘a clear ambitious vision for the school’s future’ that is shared by all staff with high expectations for pupils’ achievement. Students at Bradfields School, meanwhile, were making outstanding progress, particularly in English and Maths, with a year-on-year improvement in the number of students achieving GCSE passes and success in other accredited courses such as BTEC. Those attending sixth-form were also marked out as outstanding with all students prepared ‘very well for the next stage of their lives beyond school.’ The good behaviour of pupils was a result of the highly effective care and support that staff provide. At Hempstead Junior School inspectors found more pupils were making rapid progress and reaching higher standards in mathematics and English by the end of Year 6 than in the past. Teaching was said to be good with the newly appointed head teacher understanding what needed to be done to improve the school further. Cllr Mike O’Brien, Lead Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, said: “As Lead Portfolio Holder I am delighted to see our schools pass what has become a rigorous inspection. All three schools should be congratulated for continuing to deliver the best for their pupils. “These are tough inspections, much tougher than they were in the past, which makes these latest scores all the more impressive. This now offers a springboard for the next level of success.” Sharon Smith, Headteacher at Hempstead Junior, said: “We are delighted with the outcome of the inspection. The framework is now so much more demanding than in the past. “The success of our school is through our really effective and supportive teamwork; with everybody on board, including the leadership team, governors, teaching and non-teaching staff, admin staff, midday and premises staff, pupils and parents all playing an important part, day in and day out. “I would like to thank each and every one of them for their valuable contributions to making Hempstead Junior School the successful school that it is. We continue to strive towards becoming an outstanding school.” Cllr Kelly Tolhurst, Portfolio Holder for Educational Improvement, added: “I am delighted to see that these schools continue to do well and in the case of St Margaret’s at Troy Town improve on its performance at the last inspection. “It is particularly pleasing to see how well pupils are doing at Bradfields, with the inspectors recognising their outstanding performance is a result of the support and care of the school’s excellent staff." Jennie Faik, Headteacher of St Margaret’s at Troy Town said, ‘‘I am delighted that the very good learning that goes on in the school everyday has been recognised by Ofsted, under its new rigorous inspection framework. The children, staff and governors share high expectations and are committed to continuing the journey to becoming an outstanding school. "As the Headteacher of a Church school, I am pleased that the Ofsted report confirms the school’s two previous outstanding SIAS reports. "Christian values were confirmed by Ofsted as ‘promoting children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development exceptionally well and permeating all that it does’. When interviewed, the children said how much they appreciated ‘the friendly, caring atmosphere’ and Ofsted highlighted how ‘they show respect and consideration for each other’. "A good education provides children with the key skills to succeed academically, personally and socially and to always try their best. "Everyone agrees, the children are the stars of our school.’’ Learning and Achievement Communications True http://collateral.vuelio.uk.com/RemoteStorage/Medway/Releases//Releases/5552/hempsteadofsted.jpg http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5555 20 Nov 2013 12:06:00 UT A sleepover for children in Rochester’s Guildhall Museum is being rolled out to Scout and Guides groups in Medway after its first successful night. The pilot ‘Night at the Museum’ sleepover was held in the historic venue for a group of Scouts from Ashford. The 1st Kennington Scout group and their leader Sally Croucher were invited to the Guildhall for a night of fun and educational activities followed by a stay overnight in the museum’s grand hall. The 33 Scouts arrived at 6pm where they where greeted by the museum’s Education Officer, Jeremy Clarke, and split into three groups before being sent in different directions. One group explored the museum and saw its ancient artefacts. Another group stayed with the Education Officer for interactive learning about Medway’s history and the final group were sent to the Discovery Zone, where they handled objects and took part in various activities. The groups changed around every 45 minutes. Afterwards they headed to the grand hall for a communal supper. The rest of the evening consisted of story telling and games run by the Scout leaders, before the children got into their sleeping bags for the night. In the morning they headed off to explore Rochester Castle and visit the Cathedral before returning home. The Scouts and their parents were later invited to the museum for a presentation of certificates and badges – handed out by Cllr Howard Doe- to mark their sleepover. Cllr Howard Doe, Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said: “This event was the first of its kind in Medway and I’m pleased to announce that other Scouts, Guides and Cubs will be able to take part in the same exciting experience. “The evening proved very educational for the children who learnt about local history and gained a personal view of the museum. “The Scouts thoroughly enjoyed themselves and I’d encourage those in Medway to take up this exclusive offer.” For more information and to book the Night at the Museum sleepover contact the museum team on 01634 332680 or email guildhall.museum@medway.gov.uk Events Communications False http://collateral.vuelio.uk.com/RemoteStorage/Medway/Releases//Releases/5555/008.JPG http://collateral.vuelio.uk.com/RemoteStorage/Medway/Releases//Releases/5555/20110519_5.JPG http://collateral.vuelio.uk.com/RemoteStorage/Medway/Releases//Releases/5555/DSCF2052.JPG http://collateral.vuelio.uk.com/RemoteStorage/Medway/Releases//Releases/5555/I survived a Night at The Museum Guildhall Rochester - Andrew Freeman 10630 AMENDED.jpg http://collateral.vuelio.uk.com/RemoteStorage/Medway/Releases//Releases/5555/Scout.JPG http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5506 19 Nov 2013 11:51:57 UT A new era for river travel is dawning on the Medway. A landing stage is being installed at the end of Chatham’s historic Sun Pier to allow river taxis and leisure craft to have all tide access. The landing pontoons and two walkways have been delivered from Chatham's commercial docks to Sun Pier. There they are being positioned using a floating crane. The walkways are also being put in place. The provision of a pontoon will give people better access to Sun Pier and the river, as well as opening up possibilities for more river traffic. This could include large vessels, yachts, river taxis and smaller boats. It could lead to boats making river crossings between Chatham and the Medway City estate for commuters, visitors and residents. In addition, the project is seen as having the potential for unlocking development of the Chatham waterfront and regeneration of the town centre. Medway Council successfully bid to fund the scheme out of a £3million loan secured from the government’s Growing Places Fund last year. The pontoon operation will cost £143,000. Cllr Rodney Chambers, Council Leader, said: “This is a highly significant development for Chatham and Medway’s regeneration. “It means Sun Pier can be brought back into proper use, which is good news for residents and visitors. It is also important for future redevelopment of the waterfront and the town centre.” Cllr Kelly Tolhurst, Vice Chair of the Medway and Swale Boating Association, said: “This is great news for Chatham, residents and everyone connected with river activities. “It will open up our towns and tourist attractions for visiting vessels to the Medway, providing access for our emergency services and the possibility of some exciting initiatives at Sun Pier.” Economic Development Communications False http://collateral.vuelio.uk.com/RemoteStorage/Medway/Releases//Releases/5506/Release.doc http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5550 15 Nov 2013 11:47:50 UT Medway Council has been highly commended for its work in the 2013 Enterprising Britain Awards. The authority was praised for its 'Seeds for Business Growth' project. In the last four years this scheme has helped 90 new businesses to start up and develop, provided opportunities for work experience, training and apprenticeships, and the development of new skills. It has resulted in more than 1,200 people finding work. Councillor Jane Chitty, the portfolio holder for economic growth and strategic development, said : "I am delighted that this initiative has been nationally recognised. It is a tribute to the hard work of all the Medway Council staff and our partners that have been involved in the projects. "Economic growth is one of our top priorities and we have a strong reputation for helping local businesses. This shows how we as an authority are working hard to make Medway an even better place." The Business and Enterprise Minister, Michael Fallon MP, said : "These awards showcase the entrepreneurial spirit that can be found in local authorities, businesses, schools and colleges across the country." The award will be presented to the council in a ceremony at the House of Commons next Friday (Nov 22) Enforcement Communications False http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5548 15 Nov 2013 09:48:33 UT Throwing a cigarette butt on the ground has cost a Medway woman more than £460 in fines and costs. Yvette Chandler was seen dropping the remains of the cigarette in the High Street in Chatham. Chandler, who is 27 and from Summerson Close, Rochester was issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice but failed to pay. She was asked to explain why the fine had not been paid but did not reply to the council notice. Chandler was then summoned before Medway Magistrates but failed to appear. In her absence she was fined £200 and ordered to pay costs totalling £264.43. Councillor Peter Hicks, the portfolio lead for Community Safety and Customer Contact said : “Most people don’t litter and make sure they dispose of their rubbish, including cigarettes, properly. However, a small minority do not. This is anti-social and shows a lack of consideration for others. If you drop litter, including cigarette butts, and we catch you doing it you will be prosecuted." Enforcement Communications True http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5547 13 Nov 2013 12:35:05 UT A tenant who dumped her unwanted rubbish on a path in Gillingham when she moved out of the house has been ordered to pay fines and costs of nearly £800. Medway Council's enforcement team were called to Livingstone Road in Gillingham in January this year after reports that furniture and other items had been left on a footpath. They were traced to Zoe Groves who had moved from the house to Charter Street in Gillingham. She failed to attend an interview or respond to a notice served by the council under the Environment Act. The case was sent to Medway Magistrates Court and Groves failed to attend to answer a charge of failing to provide information. She was fined £400 in her absence and also ordered to pay costs and charges totalling £388.95. Councillor Peter Hicks, the portfolio lead for Community Safety and Customer Contact said : "This was a thoughtless, selfish act which forced people off the pavement and to walk in a busy road. "In the last year cleaning up after the mess some inconsiderate people had left in the streets cost the council nearly four million pounds." Enforcement Communications False http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=5545 11 Nov 2013 19:31:18 UT Visitors to Medway libraries will be treated to some unusual entertainment this month when a theatre group bursts into performance. Dancers and actors from theatre company Pestiferous will surprise regular library goers, librarians and visitors when they roam the library, popping out of the shelves and using books as props. On Saturday 23 November, the group will be visiting the libraries in Rochester and Chatham Community Hubs as part of their new experiment called ‘The Librarians’. For the event four experienced performers will host a 25-minute show where they move around the library space and interact with the audience. The show will include high-energy dance, music, comedy and poetry. The aim of Pestiferous is to put on unique shows in every day spaces and bring ordinary settings to life. They will be at Rochester Library at 10.30am and 11.30am as well as Chatham Library at 1.30pm and 2.45pm the same day. Cllr Howard Doe, Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said: “These performances show how our libraries are great at getting involved in a variety of events such as shows, talks and workshops and I’m pleased that Medway is able to be a part of it. “I’d encourage anyone interested in theatre to go along and take part in what will be a truly surreal experience. “I think unsuspecting visitors will certainly be surprised.” Events Communications True