Low Council Tax - Better Services - Value for Money
Switching on the lights
News posted on Saturday, 3 December 2011
Rainham Shopping Centre saw another fabulous switching on of the Christmas Lights last Friday when David and Vaughan were accompanied on stage by the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr Ray and Buffy Maisey , and the KMFM presenter who compared the show. Over an hour of great entertainment was supplied by Rainham Girls School, amongst many, to over 600 people who were shoulder to shoulder in the precinct.
Macklands PACT success
News posted on Monday, 28 November 2011
During 29th August the resident members of the Macklands PACT put on a Musical Afternoon featuring many performers - amongst them 'Basic Sax', DJCharlie, and a reformed pop group which came in at the last minute - who were all an unqualified success. The event was in aid of the Kent Air Ambulance and the PACT raised £250 for them as well as an addtional £98 for PACT funds. The Macklands PACT is arguably the finest organised PACT in Medway - keenly supported by the local residents, and always demands a full turn out of wildly enthusiastic members, whatever the weather - whatever the cause. Full credit should be given to the elected officials of the PACT who do a great job for the community and charities that they support. The cheque for £250 was presented to the HQ of Kent Ambulance on the 14th October by Norman Burkett, John Golding, Martin Potter and Trevor Lloyde
Roadworks coming
News posted on Friday, 23 September 2011
The No-Through sections of Wakeley Road from 152 - 17 Wakeley and at the rear of 77-91 Otterham Quay Lane are being resurfaced from 23 Sept to 27th Sept. Also Lower Rainham Road from Lower Bloors Lane to Berengrave Lane from 21st Oct to 26th Oct is being resurfaced. Note that the speed bumps will be preserved.
New Safety Measures
News posted on Saturday, 17 September 2011
We received notice from Highways today that the following improvements will soon be undertaken following resident's representation to the councillors.... Amend the operating hours of existing waiting restrictions in Otterham Quay either side of the railway line to 'Sundays 8am to 2pm', and Station Road between Granery and Caversham to 'Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm'. Also we will introduce 'at any time' waiting restrictions at the junction of Scott Ave and Wakeley Road for 27m round the inside bend. These modification will greatly anhance the safety for both drivers and pedestrians alike in Rainham North.
Suffolk Court Success
News posted on Monday, 18 July 2011
Cllr David Carr recently performed the opening ceremony for Suffolk Court's new Gazebo. The residents had managed to collect over £1400 from various fund raising events and put the money towards the building of the gazebo in their garden space. Suffolk Court had invited many other Supported Housing Scheme residents to the event and everyone had a great time. They made another £266 from the raffles and sale of cakes and sweets etc which - together with the monies left over from the gazebo build - will go towards the new rockery and water feature they intend to put in over the next few months.
Local Elections May 5th
News posted on Sunday, 10 April 2011
Well...You did it - we did it - the conservative party did it! We trounced the opposition with a huge majority whilst Labour took over as the second party on the ward leaving the LibDems trailing and UKIP almost off the map. A BIG THANK YOU to all those who voted for David and Vaughan. Only another four years to go!
'NO' to AV
News posted on Sunday, 10 April 2011
By now you will all have seen the goverment's leaflet through your door explaining the difference between our present 'first past the post' voting system and the new suggested Alternative Vote (AV) method. It must be clear to you all by now that the new AV wont necessarily get you who you want in any elections - in fact AV enables some candidates to get in who you definitely dont want! AV is, by definition, grossly unfair, time consuming, expensive to operate and full of potential for miscounting. As the old saying goes - If it ain't broke, dont fix it! So please vote NO to AV and put an end to this ridiculous nonsense.
Your new footpath in Station Road
News posted on Tuesday, 22 March 2011
Well - its finished at last. The new footpathdown the bottom end of Station Road looks good and does the job too. Behind the new fence we have planted some blackthorn bushes which will fill well and form an inpenetrable barrier to unauthorised access. Walkers have already commented how much safer they feel on this road now.
Lower Rainham Road safety work
News posted on Tuesday, 22 March 2011
This week, the work on the Lower Rainham Road between Station Road and West Motney Hill has started. There are going to be new speed cushions installed all the way along this stretch with additional cushions near the bottom of Station Road and Berengrave Lane.We are also going to provide additional footpaths between Station Road and the allotments so that walkers can navigate their way more safely along this particularly difficult stretch of road.
Three cheers for Cuts
News posted on Saturday, 12 March 2011
David and Vaughan are seen here on the job in Berengrave Lane. We spent some of Friday morning trimming Margaret Willey's front hedge at No 67 back from overhanging the pavement so that it was safer for pedestrians to get by on this rather fast stretch of Berengrave Lane. Margaret finds it difficult to get out and do this kind of work these days and we thought she was a worthy cause for the 'Big Society' idea of helping one another as much as possible.
Tufton gets a new surface at last
News posted on Saturday, 12 March 2011
After all the cycisism our political opponants have expressed over Tufton Road, its now finished by the time you read this article. Getting the work done was just a matter of perseverance and cooperation between coucillors and Council. Not something that is likely to happen if you had Liberal Democrat representation in the Ward!
Road works in Rainham
News posted on Sunday, 13 February 2011
The construction of the footpath down the right hand side of the lower end of Station Road and also the changes to Lower Rainham Road are starting this week and will be with us for the next few days. There will ineveitably be some upset to drivers and walkers using these roads while the work is being done and we would like to apologise to any of you who might be inconvenienced. The end result will be the culmination of more than three years of planning and consutation with local residence to achieve a safer environment for all. No longer will walkers have to dive into the mud and puddles down Station Road when cars woosh by. Walkers will also find themselves with a far safer walkway along the Lower Rainham Road between Station Road and Berengrave Lane with not only new paths but new speed cushions and speed retrictions to keep drivers to a safe speed. Any problems? Call David or Vaughan and we will see if we can help.
Cozenton Skateboard Park Opens!
News posted on Tuesday, 23 November 2010
As promised, Cllrs David Carr and Vaughan Hewett are seen here at the grand opening of Cozenton Skateboard Park on Sunday 21 November.This culminated three years of negotiation and planning with the council and with the young people of Rainham who helped in the design of the facility. Another success for perseverance.
Rainham Methodist Church gets new windows
News posted on Tuesday, 23 November 2010
We have secured £1000 from Ward Funds for secondary glazing to all the windows on the north side of Rainham Methodist Church at Wakeley Road. One window is to be replaced entirely.Thermal underwear will soon be a thing of the past!
Vaughan and Jenifer marry
News posted on Tuesday, 28 September 2010
Our own Cllr Vaughan Hewett and Jenifer were married last Monday 20th Sept at The Methodist Church in Station Road Rainham. Minister Sam Fuller carried out the ceremony at 1pm in front of 100 friends and family members with great feeling and joy. After the wedding, Vaughan and Jenifer were wisked away in an antique Bentley, complete with champagne, to the reception which was held at the Knowle House in Higham. The newly weds spent their honeymoon in the north of Scotland.
We all wish Vaughan and Jenifer all the very best for their future.
(Photo courtesy of Ian Scammell)
Medway's Great Weekend
News posted on Monday, 13 September 2010
This weekend saw a great turn-out to Medway Events. Saturday in Gillingham Park was the scene of our Will Adams Festival, full of great stalls, falconry, archery, Japanese dancing and music, and much more.
Sunday was a difficult day to be in two places at once. There was the Police Open Day at Purser Way – at which this photograph alongside was taken of your Cllr David Carr and his Granddaughter - Paige, together with Rey Chishti - our new MP for Rainham and Gillingham, and Cllr Mike O’Brien from Rainham Central.
Also on Sunday was the ‘Traditional England’ experience at Riverside Country Park at which there were many displays and activities, including more falconry and archery, with sheepdog handling, pig racing, pony rides, Punch and Judy, and even a specially installed ‘beach’ for the little ones to play in.
The whole weekend was blessed with great weather and – the best bit of all – it was all FREE! What a great place to live….
We would like to hear your opinions on this weekends events, so do please email your comments to us on davidcarr@rya-online.net
Rainham Rec Community Day
News posted on Tuesday, 17 August 2010
Youth Development Worker - Pat Housein - seen here with Cllrs Vaughan Hewett and David Carr - put on a Community Day at Rainham Recreational Ground on Wednesday 17th August to show the people of Rainham her team of face painters, the Red Cross,the Fire Service, the SOS Bus and the police with their mobile police station. Despite rather dull weather and a few drops of rain, the event was greeted warmly by many children and adults and a good time was had by all.
Cozenton Skateboard and BMX area
News posted on Thursday, 12 August 2010
Pictured here at the opening of the start of build of Cozenton's new skateboard and BMX Park are Cllrs David Carr, Vaughan Hewett and Howard Doe (standing on the ground). Also featured are two of our keenest riders who have been our 'consultants' throughout the last three years in the original design and subsequent modifications. It is anticipated that the new Park will be completed by November this year when we will hold a Grand Opening occasion.
Community Safety Awareness Day
News posted on Thursday, 12 August 2010
.Rainham North saw our Neighbourhood Police force and the Council's Safety and Community Officers speaking with, and handing out leaflets to, rail commutors at Rainham Station first thing this morning. The idea is to reassure residents of the officers constant presence and to remind us all of the magic telephone number to call if we see wrongdoing or if we need any help from the Police or the Council. The team moved on to the Shopping Precinct at noon for about 3 hours to speak to shoppers and visitors in the area. Also pictured here is Cllr Mike O'Brien - Portfolio Holder for Community and Safety, together with your own Cllrs David Carr and Vaughan Hewett, all of whom took part in the day's events. It is intended to repeat this exersize in other wards over the next few months.
By the way - the telephone number to call is 333333 - the Council's Customer First hot desk.
New Adult Fitness and Play area
News posted on Sunday, 11 July 2010
We officially opened the Adult Fitness area in Rainham Recreational ground last week with quite a gathering of senior residents keen to show off their energetic abilities on the equipment. Councillors David Carr, Tom Mason, Vaughan Hewett and Howard Doe are seen here showing off the display board which directs you to do the exercises. Everyone agreed that the equipment was well worth the wait and enjoyed it all enormously.
Mayoralty for Rainham - Again!
News posted on Wednesday, 9 June 2010
Those of you who read the local papers will have noticed that our Cllr Vaughan Hewett is our new Deputy Mayor of Medway. His Mayoress is his partner - Jenifer. He will be the Deputy Mayor until May next year and you will see him taking part in various functions many times over the next 12 months. We wish him every success in the position.
Adult Fitness Equipment
News posted on Tuesday, 8 June 2010
Residents will have noticed that there is some new Fitness and Training equipment installed at Rainham Recreational Ground. Many people of all ages seem to be taking advantage of the new facility. There is to be a photo shoot of all those involved in its creation on Thursday 17th June at 10am. Come along and enjoy the event.
'Time' for Rainham
News posted on Friday, 23 April 2010
At last Rainham High Street's clock is back up outside Barclay's Bank. Your councillors David Carr and Vaughan Hewett are seen here with Reh Chishti, Mike O'Brien and Barry Kemp - the Deputy Mayor, celebrating the clock's return to its time honoured position. Rainham councillors clubbed together some of their Ward Improvement Funds to contribute to the clock's repair last year following many months of negotiation.
Hearing Aid Batteries
News posted on Thursday, 15 April 2010
Residents of Rainham who have discovered that they cannot get their batteries replaced at the Healthy Living Centre will be pleased to know that, following my complaints to the NHS, they have decided to go back to distributing them from the centre again soon. Additional controls will be put in place to ensure that only those who have a right to NHS batteries will get them in future. Remember to take your brown books with you when you go to get replacements.
Bloors lane allotments
News posted on Saturday, 13 March 2010
The keen gardeners amoungst you will have seen the new Solar Panels that have been installed in Bloors Lane allotments Allotments. The panels provide power to the water pumps in the new bore hole which supplies free water to the allotments.
Bus Stop Improvements
News posted on Monday, 8 March 2010
We have arranged for the programme of bus stop improvements to visit No U48 stop at Rainham Station this week. The improvements will raise the curb and local pavement area to the same height at the bus platform to allow easy access for all to get on and off the bus. When work is completed I will post a photo of the wok on this site for all to see.
End of 'Race Track' in Rainham Station Car Park
News posted on Monday, 8 March 2010
People who park in Rainham Station's car park cant help but notice all the brand new white barriers we have installed following requests from residents. After 6pm, when the commuters begine to empty out the parking spaces,cars had been found 'hot rodding' around the car park and causing considerable distress for local residents and for walkers who pass through the car park area. Judging from my email post bag, this upgrade has been greatly welcomed by all and is seen as a huge benefit to local people.
Berengrave Allottments
News posted on Monday, 1 March 2010
Our Ward Improvement Funds have come in handy again to renew the fencing along the boundary of the Berengrave Allottments. The fence is designed to stop the occasional vandalism that seems to occur here from time to time.
Conservative Supporters
News posted on Monday, 1 March 2010
We invited supporters and leaflet deliverers to the Millenium Centre in Rainham North for a nibbles and wine evening by way of a Big Thank You for the help they have given us over the past 3 years. Thousands of leaflets and letters have been posted through your letter boxes to let you know whats going on and to invite you all to let us know how you believe we can improve things for you. Its been a very successful operation and we would like to thank our deliverers all again for the effort you have all made.
If there are any more of you who are reading this message and would like to help out - even if its to simply deliver a few leaflets to your street only - do please contact us.
Pot Holes in Rainham North
News posted on Monday, 1 March 2010
Residents will have read in our 'InTouch' leaflet that huge efforts are being made to repair all the pot holes which have resulted from the extended bad weather recently. You are all asked to be patient while the rolling programme of work is being carried out. In the meantime - if you know of particularly dangerous pot hole which we need to look at urgently, do please contact us using the email links elswhere on this site and give us the details.
Rainham Councillors present grant to Parkwood Community Centre
News posted on Friday, 20 November 2009
Daivd and Vaughan joined the Mayor of Medway and the other councillors from Rainham to present a cheque for £32,000 to Parkwood Community Centre on Thursday (19th November).
Thanks to this grant, and with the money the Centre has secured from the Big Lottery Fund, they are able to go ahead with the expansion of the hall and accomodate the growing demands of the community. Read more...
Rainham clock to be restored thanks to your local councillors
Press release posted on Wednesday, 4 November 2009
The 1953 Coronation clock in Rainham High Street is to tick again thanks to your local councillors.
Conservatives from Rainham North and Rainham Central wards have clubbed together to give £3000 towards the restoration of the clock. Read more...
Rainham North Conservatives launch new website
Press release posted on Wednesday, 4 November 2009
To help residents to keep up to date, Rainham North councillors David Carr and Vaughan Hewett have launched their new website.
David Carr said: Read more...
Stop the Estuary Airport
News posted on Thursday, 29 October 2009
Rainham North Councillors are urging residents to sign the petition against an airport in the Thames Estuary. The online petition can be found at www.stopestuaryairport.co.uk
Rainham Councillors hold meeting with senior police
News posted on Saturday, 10 October 2009
David Carr joined other Rainham Councillors to meet with senior police officer inspector Simon Alland, person responsible for community policing.
Cultivating New Trees
News posted on Friday, 7 August 2009
We have used our Ward Fund monies to cultivate new trees to be planted in Rainham North this winter, so helping to put back the element of charm and beauty into our neighbourhood that has been missing over the past years.
The initial batch will be going to Macklands estate to improve the appearance of the green. Where hawthorn hedges were planted in January, the residents have benefited from the May blossom. Some of the old trees in Berengrave Lane are being replaced and new sites for planting are currently being checked for clearance from underground services. Read more...
Lower Rainham Road pinch point
News posted on Wednesday, 1 July 2009
We picked up the ongoing campaign the residents of the Lower Rainham Road have been fighting for over the last 15 years and which was neglected by your previous Lib Dem Councillors. The small hamlet on the B2004 between Berengrave Lane and West Motley Hill has been blighted by the chicane or pinch point in the road. At last, plans have drawn up to relieve traffic congestion, reduce accidents and improve pavements with safer access for residents to cross the road and will be presented to residents shortly.
In addition following earlier petitions presented by us on your behalf, we can confirm that that Traffic Officers are looking at ways of controlling traffic flow along the road to make it safer for pedestrians. Read more...
Riverside Primary School gets a Children’s Centre
News posted on Tuesday, 30 June 2009
We have been working hard for Riverside to get facilities for the first Children’s Centre in Rainham! With the planning application and consultation underway the additional facilities on the school site will be in place by early 2010 where the Council will be offering services over extended hours to provide:
- Information and services for families with young children,
- High quality early education and childcare from birth to 5 year
- Services for children with special needs
- Anti-natal clinics and advice about breastfeeding & parenting
- Drop-in sessions for parents and children - and more!
Right in the middle of our community, this will be a great place to meet new people! Read more...
Chris Grayling visits Rainham Contact Point
News posted on Thursday, 11 June 2009
Vaughan met up with the Shadow Home Secretary Chris Grayling MP and Parliamentary Candidate Reh Chishti at Rainham Contact Point along with local Conservative Rainham councillors to hear his views on crime issues.
Mr Grayling also visited Rainham Shopping Centre to meet local residents at the police mobile station. Chris Grayling then had an excellent meeting at the Police station with area commander Steve Corbishley, his deputy Des Keers and KPA chief executive. Read more...
Campaign to keep 121 bus route won by local councillors
News posted on Wednesday, 25 March 2009
Rehman and Cllr Vaughan Hewett win their campaign to keep the 121 bus route (Wakeley road bus route) and at the same time win their campaign to get low entry buses.
Afterwards Rehman and Vaughan said they would like to thank all the residents for the support and Medway Council for making this happen. Read more...
Macklands Community Awareness Day a big success
Press release posted on Wednesday, 1 October 2008
Local residents in Rainham North took the opportunity to voice their opinions at the first Macklands Way Partners and Communities Together (PACT) Awareness Day last Sunday.
PSCO Sam Harrell, Safer Communities Officer Ian Sears and local Medway Councillor Vaughan Hewett were available to listen to local concerns. Read more...
Shadow Secretary of state for sports, culture and media visits Medway
News posted on Thursday, 18 September 2008
Shadow Secretary of state for sports culture media visits Gillingham and Rainham.
Vaughan had an opportunity to meet the Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt M.P, on his visit of the Black Lion Leisure Centre, part of £11million Olympics sports complex, and which is home to the Jumpers Rebound centre the largest of its kind in the world. Read more...
Campaign won for new Bus Service for Wakeley Road Area Rainham
Press release posted on Saturday, 30 August 2008
Local Councillors and Parliamentary Candidate win campaign for Medway Council to replace the New Venture Bus service number 120, 121, which was being scheduled to be cut by new venture in Mid August.
Rehman Chishti Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Gillingham and Rainham, and Cllr Vaughn Hewett, had made representations, to Medway Council and New Venture to replace the service being cut. Read more...