RSS from Medway en-gb Copyright North East SHA. All rights reserved. 08 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT 16 May 2012 21:22:01 GMT http://news.medway.gov.uk http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4421 http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4421 4421 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT More than 20 permanent ‘bus stops’ have been installed in Medway to mark the pick up stops on the successful walking bus scheme. Now in its ninth year in Medway, the walking bus is a well-established, award winning service that continues to grow in size and popularity. There are now 45 walking routes across Medway with almost 900 passengers – a far cry from the 10 passengers it started with in 2003. Each walking bus route has a start and finish point and various ‘stops’ along the way, but these are only known to participants of that bus. Now it is hoped that these 22 new ‘bus stops’ will encourage more children to use the service. Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Front Line Services Cllr Phil Filmer has been a valued supporter of the scheme since its inception. He said: “The walking bus in Medway is a popular and safe choice for children journeying to and from school and I hope these new permanent stops will raise awareness of the scheme and help to increase the number of children using it. “The walking bus aims to reduce congestion on our roads, improve the health of the participants, improve air quality and improve the road safety skills of children travelling to or from their school or after school club.” Pauline Milton, headteacher at Thamesview Primary School in Rainham, has three walking buses operating at her school and spoke very positively about the initiative. She said: “The walking bus signs look great – thank you for choosing our school.” Susan Tomaschek, the walking bus co-ordinator at Waterford House Playgroup in Strood, echoed the positive feedback. She said: “We have a regular bus driver waving to us and we have had a number of new children coming to us because their parents have seen us walking.” Volker Highways has sponsored these first signs, which are along the routes for the following schools: · Balfour Infants, Rochester · City Way Nursery, Rochester · Thamesview Primary, Rainham · Walderslade Primary · Waterford House Playgroup, Strood Anyone interested in setting up a walking bus for their school can contact James Sutton, Safer Journeys Officer, on 01634 331399 or email james.sutton@medway.gov.uk or visit www.medway.gov.uk/roadsafety [Ends] Photo of Cllr Phil Filmer and children from Waterford House playgroup. False Highways Traffic and Parking http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4456 http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4456 4456 10 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Medway’s brightest business people are being given the opportunity to bid for £5,000 of support and expertise from industry experts, thanks to a new scheme being launched by Medway Council and the University of Greenwich. The Innovation Voucher Scheme, set to launch on Friday, 11 May, is inviting businesses to submit applications for funding to pay for expert and academic support from the University of Greenwich, to give their business an innovative edge. Funded equally by the council and university, this pilot initiative will award vouchers to up to ten businesses, which can then be exchanged for a wide variety of services and expertise available through the university. This support can include product and service testing, new product or business model development or training in innovation management. Although there is no fixed value for the vouchers, each one can be redeemed for work undertaken by the university, typically in excess of £4,000. Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Strategic Development and Economic Growth, Cllr Chitty, said she hoped the scheme would forge lasting links between growing Medway businesses and the University of Greenwich. “We’ve seen a great deal of regeneration and progress across Medway in recent years, not least the development of the University of Greenwich and its three Universities at Medway partners, bringing with them an exciting and diverse range of skills and expertise,” she said. “It’s important to us that businesses can benefit from the changes that are taking place here and this is a fantastic opportunity for our most innovative businesses to benefit from the talent at our universities.” Ray Wynne, of the University of Greenwich and Head of Innovation Development at Innovation Centre Medway, a specialist centre for new technology and high growth businesses, said: “The Innovation Voucher Scheme fits perfectly with our main goal; to provide entrepreneurs and businesses with a wide range of support they need to ensure their growth. “We are delighted to be in a position to bring together the expertise and know-how of top professionals within the University of Greenwich with Medway’s brightest business people. I am sure this scheme will prove mutually beneficial and lead to long-term growth and jobs in the area.” Applications for the Innovation Vouchers open on Friday, 11 May and close on Friday, 15 June. They will then go before a panel and successful bids will be announced at the beginning of July. Businesses will then be matched with the relevant support and experts from the university so they can get to work. Application forms can be found at www.innovationcentremedway.co.uk/innovation-vouchers. You can also contact the Innovation Centre Medway to discuss your project prior to completing the application for guidance on eligible projects. Call 01634 887 282. ENDS True Economic Development http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4457 http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4457 4457 09 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Discover the bizarre workings of Paul Merton’s brain when he brings his stand-up show to The Central Theatre. The Have I Got News For You team captain is in Chatham with his Out of My Head tour on Saturday, 26 May. Delivered in his usual deadpan style, Paul will take audiences on a surreal journey through the inner workings of his mind. Returning to his stand-up roots for the first time since 1999, the night will include sketches, music, magic, variety and even dancing girls. Paul Merton – Out Of My Head at The Central Theatre, Chatham on Saturday, 26 May at 7.30pm. Tickets are £23 and £21.50. To book phone the box office on 016534 338338 or visit www.medwayticketslive.co.uk False Arts and Theatre http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4458 http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4458 4458 09 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT With summer holidays just around the corner, now is the time to make sure you have the correct travel insurance and visas. But don’t be misled over websites associated with those all-important documents, warns Medway Council’s Trading Standards Team. The EHIC – The European Health Insurance Card – will provide you and your family with lower cost medical treatment throughout Europe. And it is available free through the NHS. Some commercial websites charge for these documents and have paid to advertise at the top of the results on internet search engines. These commercial websites will charge an administrative fee to double check your applications of up to £19.99 per person. The Office of Fair Trading has taken action against a number of these internet based traders who misleadingly supply EHIC. This resulted in three sites pledging not to engage in deceptive practices and a fourth site being suspended. Mark Williamson from Chatham fell victim to a bogus website when he needed to replace his E111 card last year. The pensioner was advised to go online and apply for a new one. He said: “I’m not computer literate or internet savvy but I went online anyway and filled in what I thought was the correct form. I was charged £9.99 per person. The form looked official, so did the website. “The card was supposed to take 10 days to arrive. After three days I was called by the NHS to verify my details. When I asked them if they needed my card details again, they told me the E111 card was free and that I’d applied for it through a bogus site – it was a scam. “The original site charged £20 to pass our details to the NHS. £20 is a lot of money to waste on an unnecessary cost.” Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Customer Contact Cllr Mike O’Brien said: “Thanks to the council’s Trading Standards Team raising this issue, we can ensure local residents who are thinking of booking their annual holidays can avoid paying out for these wholly avoidable and often unnecessary extra charges. “It is important for consumers to always question the information supplied by internet search engines and not always assume that just because a site appears at the top of the results page it is automatically an official website. “I would strongly urge residents to do their homework and to check the terms and conditions in the small print on these websites.” Prospective holiday-makers travelling outside Europe may find equally confusing information on purchasing their visas. If you are travelling to the United States of America it now necessary to obtain an ETSA which typically cost $14 from the US Department of Homeland Security. Some commercial sites on the internet have been found offering the ETSA for a fee of $39 per person. For more information visit: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/ For more details about health insurance visit the NHS website www.ehic.org.uk For more details about visas, visit the foreign Government site responsible for issuing the visa or Consumer Direct by visiting www.direct.gov.uk or phone 08454 040506. False Trading standards http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4448 http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4448 4448 09 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Release – the award winning production and hit of the Edinburgh Festival 2011 – is coming to The Brook Theatre later this month (May). Directed by Nancy Hirst of Icon Theatre, one of The Brook’s four permanent resident companies, Release tells the stories of three ex-prisoners struggling on the outside as they attempt to reconnect with the people and the remnants of life they left behind. Devised over two years of research and interviews with ex-offenders, probation officers, criminologists and hostel managers, as well as site visits to hostels, prisons and probation offices, Release fuses high-energy physical theatre, an original score and mixed media to create an explosive yet moving insight into just how hard it is to go straight. Release is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. For more information visit www.releaseinfo.org Release at The Brook Theatre, Monday, 28 May at 8pm. Tickets are £10, concessions £8. To book tickets phone the box office on 01634 338338 or visit www.medwayticketslive.co.uk [Ends] Prizes Winner – Fringe First Award 2011 Shortlisted – Amnesty Freedom of Expression Award 2011 Shortlisted – Brighton Festival Fringe Emerging Talent Award 2011 Reviews 'A sharp, impeccably performed and blazingly impassioned piece of theatre…simply terrific’ **** The Times ‘Icon Theatre has created one of the most compelling and theatrically effective pieces of storytelling on the Fringe; and as we watch with our hearts in our mouths, we are praying not only for these three characters, but for ourselves, and the whole future of the society in which we live.’ **** The Scotsman Note to editors: Images are available. False Arts and Theatre http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4454 http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4454 4454 08 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Sundays are for Kids at The Brook Theatre and this summer’s line up promises to be as exciting and entertaining as ever. The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark comes to Chatham on Sunday, 20 May. Based on the classic children’s book by Jill Tomlinson, this funny and gentle tale is written especially for children aged three to seven years old. Plop is a baby barn owl who is afraid of the dark. One day his mum suggests he fly down into the world and find out about the dark for himself. And so begins his adventure into a world of campfires, fireworks and moonlight. With an irresistible blend of live music, puppetry and storytelling, this beautiful show introduces an old friend to a new generation of theatregoers. Another animal tale with a happy ending is The Ugly Duckling. This classic story of the duckling who longs to be a beautiful swan comes to The Brook on Sunday, 24 June. Suitable for children aged three and upwards, Kipper Tale Theatre’s production includes catchy tunes, magical storytelling and a lots of farmyard fun. The popular Kid's Cabaret of Curiosities rolls into town on Sunday, 15 July. An array of dazzling professional cabaret acts – from magnificent magicians to cracking circus artists – will take to the stage to leave young faces wide-eyed with wonder. For more details about Sundays are for Kids at The Brook Theatre phone the box office on 01634 338338 or visit www.medwayticketslive.co.uk · To make the theatre visit all the more special, children’s parties can also be catered for. For more details about party catering, please phone the box office on 01634 338338. True Arts and Theatre http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4453 http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4453 4453 04 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT The Mayor of Medway is Cllr Ted Baker and the mayoress is Sylvia Baker. The Deputy Mayor of Medway is Cllr Ray Maisey and deputy mayoress is Buffy Maisey. Monday, 7 May: 2.30 to 3pm: The mayor will attend the closing ceremony of the Rochester Sweeps Festival, High Street, Rochester. Tuesday, 8 May: 7.30 to 9.30pm: The mayor will attend the grand reopening of Taste of Two Cities, 106 High Street, Rochester, following a refurbishment. Wednesday, 9 May: No engagements. Thursday, 10 May: 10am to 3pm: The deputy mayor will attend the Mayor of Waltham Forest’s civic tour starting at Hunting Lodge, Rangers Road, Chingford, E4 7QH. 10.30am to 2pm: The mayor will attend Age UK Chatham’s second birthday party at Units 4 & 5 Park House, 92–94 Hopewell Drive, Luton. Friday, 11 May: 12.40 to 2pm: The mayor will talk to Rochester Rotary about his year in office as mayor, at Masonic Hall, Gundulph Square, Rochester. 7 to 11pm: The deputy mayor will attend a Motor Neurone Disease Association awareness dinner at Bridgewood Manor Hotel, Chatham. 7.30pm to midnight: The mayor will attend Medway RFC’s Annual Club Dinner at Medway RFC, Priestfields, Rochester. Saturday, 12 May: 12.30 to 7.30pm: The mayor will attend the 50th anniversary celebrations of HMS Ocelot including Beat Retreat at Chatham Historic Dockyard. 7pm to midnight: The deputy mayor will attend the Mayor of Bexley’s 'Ray of Sunshine' Dinner Dance at Haberdasher's Aske's Crayford Academy, Iron Mill Lane, Crayford. Sunday, 13 May: 9.50 to 11.15am: The mayor will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the signing of the sister city partnerships with Ito and Yokosuka in 1982 at St. Mary Magdalene Church, Church Green, Gillingham. False Members Services / Chief Executive Office http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4434 http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4434 4434 04 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Businesses in Medway can take on an apprentice from around just £3.50 a day, thanks to funding secured by Medway Council. The council has secured funding which will help businesses lower the costs of taking on an apprentice by subsidising more than 80 per cent of wage costs for the first year. By pulling together its existing subsidy scheme, GAPS, which offers businesses £2,000 towards the cost of taking on an apprentice, and funding available from the government under the new Wage Incentive Scheme, businesses in Medway can apply for a combined subsidy grant, which will pay for more than 80 per cent of the wage costs. The cost to the business to take on an apprentice could therefore be as little as £18 a week in the first year, with the rest of the wage costs paid for by the subsidy. Targeted specifically at small businesses and young people aged between 18 – 24 years who have been unemployed for more than six months and so are on the government's WORK programme, it’s hoped the funding will encourage more businesses to take on a trainee and help get young, long term unemployed people onto the career ladder. The council has introduced a range of measures over the past year in a bid to increase the number of apprenticeships across Medway, and to target youth unemployment in the area. Its subsidy scheme GAPs, launched last year was part funded by Medway council and the European Union under the Interreg IVA 2 Seas programme, with an initial commitment of £200,000. This was increased in this year’s budget with another £100,000 boost from the council. Just under a year ago the council took part in the national 100 in 100 apprenticeship challenge, which sought to create 100 apprenticeships in 100 days. Medway beat this target with nearly 190 pledges. Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Strategic Development and Economic Growth, Cllr Jane Chitty, said: “We are resolute in our commitment to apprenticeships here in Medway and in the past year alone, have seen nearly 200 people take on training at more than 150 different businesses. “Apprenticeships offer something really special – the chance for businesses to gain fresh, new talent trained to industry standards and an opportunity for young people to learn valuable skills and get on the career ladder.” Costs of the scheme will vary, depending on the age of the apprentice, the level of apprenticeship offered and training costs. Generally, the government will fund the training of any apprentice aged between 16 and 18 years old. From the age of 19 to 24 years old, the government will fund 50 per cent of training costs, although employers can choose to spend their £2,000 council subsidy on wages or training costs. For more information on apprenticeships in Medway, or to find out how this funding can help you and your business, contact Medway Council on 01634 334348 and speak directly to the GAPS Project Officer. True Apprenticeships http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4452 http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4452 4452 03 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT More residents are set to benefit from help and advice on council services in the heart of their communities thanks to two new information centres. The Community Information Centres have opened at Luton Library, Nelson Terrace, Luton and at Wayfield Children's Centre, Wayfield Road, Chatham with information on council services and direct online access to them. At the centres, residents can access information about housing, employment and training, health, community safety, benefits and youth services. A phone hotline to the council’s Customer First team is also available. The new community centres come as part of a pilot project focused on the Luton and Wayfield area aimed at finding better ways to engage local communities and effectively tackle issues faced in their area. A community group made up of residents from Luton and Wayfield has already formed as part of the project, and have been working with the council and other agencies to highlight improvements they’d like to see in their area. With the tagline Local People, Local Solutions, the project is a joint initiative from Medway Council alongside NHS Medway, Kent Police in Medway, schools and community groups based in the area. By working with the community and encouraging them to talk about any issues and concerns they have, the aim is to gain residents' feedback on the services they receive and how they can be improved, as well as looking at better ways to tackle issues such as anti social behaviour within a community. [Ends] True Economic Development http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4451 http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4451 4451 03 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT A European project designed to help local people direct changes to their area has launched in Medway. The cross border project – Project DNA (Disadvantaged Neighbourhood Action) involves four European partners – bringing together communities from Medway, Antwerp and Kortrijk in Belgium and Breda in the Netherlands. Funded by EU money under the Interreg IV A 2 Seas programme, DNA is aimed at getting residents involved in their local area and allowing them to make decisions about how they’d like to see money spent to improve their community. The Medway project will focus on the area in and around the centre of Chatham with nearly £145,000 worth of funding available. Residents will be able to decide how some of the money could be spent to improve the appearance of their area, including public spaces and street improvements, through a residents working party that’s been set up. The working party will also be consulted on plans to invest the funding in safer community schemes around the area and the development of outreach health services within the community. European delegates from partner cities and representatives from NHS Kent and Medway and Kent Police were in Medway to launch the project last week, joined by residents who will make up the working party here in Medway. The residents’ group will include residents from the area, members of existing community groups and representatives from voluntary organisations, including Caring Hands in Medway, the Youth Forum and Medway Youth Parliament. Sandra Fowler, from New Road Avenue, Chatham, and a member of the Gibraltar Terrace Residents’ Association, said: “This project is not only an opportunity to have input into physical improvements in the town centre, it’s also a chance to raise awareness about Chatham and what it has to offer. “As a resident, I see Chatham as a lively, friendly place, I like the mix of people here, the real history there is and I want to be able to get involved in helping the area prosper.” David Gutteridge from High Street, Chatham, will chair the new residents’ group. He said: “This project is a way of helping people feel that they can make a contribution to their local area, and hopefully will help the community in a range of ways, particularly those who are long term unemployed.” Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Strategic Development and Economic Growth, Cllr Jane Chitty, said: “We’ve always said how important it is that residents can truly benefit from the regeneration of their area. “What’s exciting about this project, is that it also gives residents the opportunity to get involved with the regeneration of their area, to learn from other communities across Europe and make decisions based on what’s important to them.” False Eu projects http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4444 http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4444 4444 02 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Pick up some homegrown produce and tasty local treats at Rochester Farmers’ Market this bank holiday weekend, as it pitches up at the Rochester Sweeps Festival. Traders selling a range of the freshest local produce including vegetables, meat and baked goods, as well as cider, preserves, olives and pies will be pitching up in the Kings Head car park from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, 5, Sunday, 6, and Monday, 7 May. They will join more than 50 morris sides and entertainers celebrating throughout the bank holiday weekend, with processions, fun activities for families and three days of folk music featuring guest artists from the Canada and France, as well as all over Britain. The Rochester Farmers’ Market usually takes place on the third Sunday of every month at the Corporation Street car park, Rochester, with traders from across Kent who have grown, bred, processed, pickled, brewed or baked the goods themselves. For more information on what’s on throughout the festival, and to download a Sweeps Festival brochure, visit www.whatsonmedway.co.uk False Economic Development http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4450 http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4450 4450 01 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT The A278 Gillingham Link road will be undergoing repairs to the Maidstone Road over bridge (the one nearest the motorway) from Tuesday, 8 May. The type of work being carried out will mean a contra flow operation will be in place, which will reduce lane capacity to single lane in both directions. The work is expected to be complete within approximately five weeks, and advance warning signs are in place. False Highways Traffic and Parking http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4441 http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4441 4441 01 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Medway came under the microscope this week as a key regeneration hotspot of the Thames Gateway. Government minister Bob Neill visited as part of a tour of North Kent to see how investment is continuing to improve the area. He first went to Chatham, where he was shown the new road scheme and officially opened the bus station, before going to Rochester Riverside to see the Hyde Housing development taking shape. At Rochester Riverside, the minister also met with six apprentices from Medway who have been taken on to help with the construction of affordable homes on the site. At the Chatham Waterfront Bus Station, Mr Neill – the Thames Gateway Minister - unveiled a plaque in the Visitor Centre and commented on the great improvement the new bus station has made to the area. He added that this was particularly evident when comparing it to the old, outdated Pentagon Bus Station - which he used when he was a barrister visiting the magistrates’ court in Chatham. Mr Neill, whose ministerial brief includes local government, said: "I'm delighted to be able to visit Chatham and open the new bus station - a symbol of development and regeneration. “The Thames Gateway is well and truly open for business and offers untold potential for industry, employment and housing close to central London. I look forward to seeing the progress that the area makes in the coming years." Mr Neill added that as he lived in Chislehurst, he was a close neighbour to Medway, and was impressed to see how much regeneration had happened in recent years. Rodney Chambers, the Leader of Medway Council, added: “I was very pleased to show Mr Neill around some of the key regeneration sites in Medway and he seemed suitably impressed with what has happened, and is continuing to happen here. “He remarked that he knows Medway as he lives nearby and he was very interested in how his ministerial department - Communities and Local Government – has helped regeneration in Medway. “Mr Neill officially opened Chatham’s Waterfront Bus station, which is used by around 1,100 buses and 60,000 passengers a week, during his visit and it was good to show him how well it is working and how much better it is than the old, outdated Pentagon Bus Station.” Arriva’s Regional General Manager Glen Shuttleworth said: “The new bus station is an important part of the regeneration of the central Medway area and we are very pleased with the way that it has been operating from the very start. “Its layout allows us to operate and manage our services more effectively than was possible in the old bus station and the improved environment has been welcomed by our staff and customers.” During the ministerial visit on Tuesday, 1 May, Mr Neil, Cllr Chambers and Mark Reckless, MP for Rochester and Strood, also met apprentices at Rochester Riverside and looked at the new Hyde Housing affordable homes development underway there. Mr Reckless said: “I was delighted to welcome Bob Neill to Rochester to see some of the significant regeneration work which is being done locally here in Medway. "Medway Council in partnership with Hyde Housing are working hard to deliver quality affordable and private sector housing on Rochester Riverside. It was great to see we are also giving our young people the opportunity to gain much needed hands on experience through Medway’s very successful apprenticeship scheme. "This, coupled with the government backed 95 per cent mortgage scheme, aimed at helping aspiring individuals and families get onto the property ladder, will really help local people get ahead here in Medway." Steve White, Chief Executive of the Hyde Group, added: “We’re very proud of what we’ve achieved at Rochester Riverside, working in partnership with Medway Council. "The development partnership is not only building desirable and much needed homes; it’s also providing opportunities into employment for young local people. I was delighted to be able to share the work so far and our vision for the future of this part of Medway.” False Members Services / Chief Executive Office http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4436 http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4436 4436 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Medway Council has agreed to develop and arrange for organisations across the area to sign an Armed Forces Community Covenant, pledging its support for all armed forces personnel past and present. Backed by charitable, voluntary and business groups in Medway, the council will draw up the covenant, which aims to reward and recognise the work of the forces. This follows the government’s publication of a Tri-Service Armed Forces Covenant, which sets out a new relationship between the Government, voluntary and charitable bodies, civil society, local government, and those serving in the armed forces and their families. The Covenant covers a wide range of services and issues, including issues such as healthcare, education and housing. The Government has also produced, through the Ministry of Defence, a new Community Covenant Scheme that will help public service providers, the private sector and the voluntary and community sectors to provide targeted support for their local Armed Forces community. Around £30m will be awarded to community projects across the country over the next four years. The scheme will consider applications from local groups for practical projects that deliver rapid results in support of the Armed Forces Community, including activities for young people and veterans. Medway Council’s Director of Regeneration, Community and Culture Robin Cooper has been liaising with The Royal Engineers to establish a steering group, which will be entitled to apply for funding from the Community Covenant Grant scheme. The group will work with the armed forces community in Medway along with the charitable and voluntary sectors to identify and support projects that meet the aims of the covenant. The Leader of Medway Council Cllr Rodney Chambers said: “We in Medway value and hold in extremely high esteem our armed forces. "Medway has an important and historic connection with the military, we had a Royal Navy Dockyard in Chatham for over 400 years, the Royal Engineers – who have the Freedom of the borough - have been here for two centuries, and until very recently there was, of course, HMS Chatham. “We are committed to doing all we can to show we value the important contribution of the armed forces past and present and all they do and have done to keep us safe. We think it is important to support them and their families when they return home to the community." True Events http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4435 http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4435 4435 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Head massage, guitar, personal training and Tai Chi are just some of the subjects on offer at a free adult learning taster day. Medway Adult and Community Learning Service (MACLS) will be celebrating Adult Learners Week with an open day and free taster sessions at Rainham School for Girls on Saturday, 12 May. Taster sessions will also include Mahjong, British Sign Language and floristry – how to make your own buttonholes. Sessions start from 10am. To check times and book a place phone MACLS on 01634 338400. * From September 2012, MACLS will be delivering courses on Monday evenings at Rainham School for Girls. More details can be found in the new course directory, which will be available to pick up at venues throughout Medway this summer. False Adult Learning http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4432 http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4432 4432 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Locate in Kent, the county’s investment promotion agency, has recorded the landmark figure of assisting to create or secure 50,000 jobs in the county since it was founded in 1997, with 7,050 of those being in Medway. This figure was achieved by helping 90 companies to set up, expand or relocate in Medway. The list of investments assisted by Locate in Kent includes companies of every type and size locating to or expanding all over Medway, including The Telegraph Group in Chatham, xchanging and Vanquis Bank at Chatham Maritime, Veetee Foods at Medway City Estate and Rail Simulator, a gaming company at The Joiners Shop at Chatham Dockyard, as well as several of the Japanese companies that now call Medway home. “This is an important milestone in our history and an achievement we are proud of,” said Sir Brandon Gough, Chairman of Locate in Kent. “It comes at one of the most challenging economic times we have faced, when attracting and retaining jobs in the county is more important than ever. “In the 15 years we have been in existence, the business landscape of Kent and Medway has changed beyond all recognition, with improvements to the M2 and M20 and major A roads, the advent of High Speed One which has made such a step change in Kent’s attractiveness to business, and the development of major business parks such as Chatham Maritime. “All of these are valuable assets when it comes to attracting new businesses to Kent. We will continue to work hard to bring a wide range of jobs to the county and retain those already here.” Councillor Rodney Chambers, Leader of Medway Council, said: "At a time when creating jobs is fundamental to the future success of Medway, it is reassuring to know that the work of Locate in Kent continues to bear fruit. “Thanks to Medway’s position between London and mainland Europe, high speed rail services and particularly the wide range of quality property on offer here, Medway is well placed to attract a real mix of companies looking for a base in the South East of England." For more information on how Locate in Kent can help you find the right location for your business, call 01732 520700, or visit locateinkent.com where an interactive property search is available at www.locateinkent.com/propertysearch False Economic Development http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4429 http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4429 4429 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Motorists are being advised to expect some delays around the Ash Tree Lane junction with the A2 Rainham Road tomorrow morning (Friday, 27 April), as emergency repair works continue. Temporary manual controlled traffic signals have replaced the existing traffic lights in Ash Tree Lane, Chatham, just before the junction with the A2 Rainham Road, while contractors carry out repairs to a power chamber cover in the road. False Highways Traffic and Parking http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4431 http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4431 4431 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT The Mayor of Medway is Cllr Ted Baker and the mayoress is Sylvia Baker. The Deputy Mayor of Medway is Cllr Ray Maisey and deputy mayoress is Buffy Maisey. Monday, 30 April: No engagements. Tuesday, 1 May: 12.55 to 3pm: The mayor will attend Age UK’s May Day celebrations at Mackenney Centre, Woodlands Road, Gillingham. 7 to 11pm: The mayor will host a charity Chinese night at Confucious, Chatham. Wednesday, 2 May: 2 to 4pm: The mayor will attend the launch day of Step and Learn – a new charity offering conductive education for children with cerebral palsy and similar motor disorders- at 44Two Sports and Social Club, Featherby Road, Gillingham. Thursday, 3 May: 11.30am to 2pm: The mayor will attend the opening of new kitchen and dining hall areas at Luton Junior School, Luton Road, Chatham. Friday, 4 May: 9.30 to 11am: The mayor will attend the opening of a new Pets at Home store, Gillingham Retail Park. 7pm to 12.30am: The mayor will attend the Chair of KCC’s end of year Charity Ball at Oakwood House, Maidstone. 6.30 to 11pm: The deputy mayor will attend the Mayor of Dartford’s charity race night at Crayford Dog Track. Saturday, 5 May: 10.30 to 11.15am: The mayor will open the Sweeps Festival at High Street, Rochester. 7.15 to 11pm: The mayor will attend the Barbara Dickson concert at Rochester Cathedral. Sunday, 6 May: No engagements. False Members Services / Chief Executive Office http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4430 http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4430 4430 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Dog owners can get expert advice on looking after their pets during a series of special events being held in Medway in May. People will be able to pamper their pooches with a special MOT style health check, free food samples and even agility training. And there will also be staff on hand to microchip pets for free during the sessions. Experts will also be at the events to talk about what people can do if their dog’s barking is causing a noise nuisance for neighbours, how dog control orders work and the issue of dog-fouling. The events will run from Monday, 14 to Friday, 18 May 11.00 - 3.00pm and are also open to those without pets who are thinking of getting a dog The council will also be promoting its Love Medway app, which allows people to report dog-fouling and other environmental issues by iPhone or android mobile phone, at the event. Councillor Mike O'Brien, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Customer Contact, said “We are running a series of events for dog owners and those interested in getting a dog and they aim to be informative and fun. “These events are being held for people seeking advice about looking after their pets, about how to look after a pet responsibly, and for those thinking about getting a dog." Medway Council’s Environmental Services Team deal with noise nuisance, dog fouling offences and stray dogs on a daily basis, and these events will give people a great chance to gain from expert advice. The events are being held with the help of the PDSA. The events are on: Monday, 14 May at Broomhill Park, King Arthurs Drive, Strood Tuesday, 15 May at Great Lines Heritage Park, Gillingham Wednesday 16 May at Riverside Country park, Rainham Thursday 17 May at Luton Recreation Ground, Capstone Road, Chatham Friday 18 May at The Vines Gardens, Vines Lane, Rochester For more information you can phone Medway Council on 01634 331791 / 331792 True Community safety team http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4425 http://www.medway.gov.uk/information/newspages/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=4425 4425 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT A roofer has been electronically tagged after driving with broken up asbestos on the back of an open lorry and dumping it on a highway. Wallace Sharpless, 37, went to an industrial estate in Strood to find a place to get rid of the hazardous material. He asked two scrap yards in the Knights Road area – ADS and Walsh’s Yard - if they would take it, but they refused as it was asbestos. The 37-year-old, who lives at Allison Avenue, Gillingham and runs the Advance Roofcare Shop in nearby Barnsole Road, then dumped half opposite Walsh's Yard in Strood before shedding the rest outside nearby Morgan’s Timber yard. Alan Conroy, prosecuting for Medway Council, told Medway magistrates court the asbestos was a Class A carcinogen with a ‘high toxicity’, which was ‘in a broken form on the back of an open truck’. . He said: “On 4 October last year, Mr Sharpless attempted to dump asbestos in the Knights Road area in Strood. He first drove to the end of Knights Road and called on an operative in a yard and was told they didn’t take asbestos. Mr Controy said that after also being refused at Walsh’s Yard, ‘he asked his employee with him to help him to fly-tip the waste on the highway’. He added: “The aggravating feature here was that Mr Sharpless was told it was asbestos. He was told by two yards that they wouldn’t take it and then he dispensed it on the high road regardless. “We don’t know where he got it, but it was certainly driven through open areas where there were members of the public and an industrial area where there were workers and people out walking their dogs.” Robert Weston, defending, said the asbestos came from a shed roof Sharpless was disposing for a client and when he couldn’t get a works yard to take it ‘he panicked and made the rather stupid decision to dump asbestos by the side of the road.” Sharpless was sentenced to a curfew order between 8.30pm and 6.30pm for four months and ordered to wear an electronic tag. He was also ordered to pay £1.020 costs including £720 to Medway Council for clearing the asbestos. He previously admitted transporting and depositing asbestos without a permit, failing to take it to an authorised place, not having the correct paperwork and failing to take reasonable steps to avoid exposure to others. Sentencing him, Angela Howe, the Chair of the Magistrates' bench, said: “We consider this to be a very serious offence with you being fully aware that asbestos is a dangerous substance and a danger to the public.” Following the 24 April hearing, Cllr Mike O’Brien, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Customer Contact, said: “This man put members of the public at risk, as well as Medway Council’s environmental health workers who cleaned this dangerous asbestos away. “It is shocking that someone can have such little regard for others and act in this way.” True Enforcement