Welcome to the page where Fordwich Town News is published. This is the same pamphlet that is delivered to you in your letter box if you live in Fordwich.
This news is published by Fordwich Town Council, usually once per month. If you would like to add anything to the pamphlet, please open the latest one to see who and how to contact.
2023
None available yet
Fordwich Town News December 2022
Fordwich Town News November 2022
Fordwich Town News October 2022
There is no September News Letter
Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Celebrations in Fordwich
Fordwich Town News August 2022
Fordwich Town News December 2021
Fordwich Town News November 2021
Fordwich Town News October 2021
No Fordwich Town News in September
Fordwich Town News August 2021
Fordwich Town News February March 2021
Fordwich Town News February 2021
Fordwich Town News January 2021
Fordwich Town News December 2020
Fordwich Town News November 2020
Fordwich Town News October 2020
December 2020 missed bin collection update
FORDWICH LOOKS FORWARD
Where we are today.
Fordwich is, as it has been almost since time immemorial, a small rural town, set on the river Stour just 2 miles down stream from Canterbury. The cluster of houses, church, Town Hall and two pubs represent a glimpse of the continuity and antiquity of English History. Woodland to the North, South and East and meadows and woodland to the West along with the River Stour itself give the setting.
It is not a place without problems. The road network which owes its origins to either the Romans or even the pre-Roman settlers, has become a rat run for people circumnavigating their way around Canterbury to the Isle of Thanet. Roads that have never had to deal with more than cart, horse or pedestrian are being lined with cars that far out number the space available.
Since Town Council meetings resumed by Zoom in May and society has begun to creep out of Lock-down four potential situations have risen; 1. The change of use of the Old Timberyard on Moat Lane from light industrial to residential – with permission to build up to six houses. 2. The Council has been approached by developers for their opinion of a development of up to 45 houses on a 3.6 hectare site out of the 21 hectare of the Old Nursery or Plantation – the entrance being off the bottom of Well Lane.. 3. The riverbank, the river itself and the area around the Bretts site has seen a great increase in use and abuse. 4. The Bretts estate, we have heard, is planning on closure and there is the possibility of more housing being planned in that area. 5. Slightly further afield in Sturry the A28 bypass as proposed will open the door to up to 1000 houses. 6. Westbere Council is seeking to have the Two Fields site- just across the railway line from Bretts designated as a ‘Village Green’.
The Fordwich Town Council considers that the time is now right to bring these matters to the attention of the population of Fordwich and to seek as wide a range of opinions as possible.
Having met with the developers of the of the Old Nursery site the Town Councillors discussed the matter and agreed to oppose any development on the site on the following grounds;
- it was not in the Canterbury City Council Local Plan dated 2017.
- When the site first came on to the market in 2019 the Council was told that any development on that site would not receive the Council’s backing because it is not in the Local plan and is in a Conservation area.
- the practical problems of developing the site – access, drainage etc. would make it unfeasible.
- A development of 45 houses so far off any connection to sustainable transport – bus services and trains – would bring up to 90 more cars onto the road and work contrary to Canterbury City Council’s Climate Change Emergency planning guidelines.
- The significant potential for negative ecological impact, given that for over 15 years, the site has become a natural wildlife haven for flora and fauna as well as insects, reptiles, animals and birds.
Fordwich Town’s next steps:
- The Town Council wished to bring these challenges to the attention of the Town’s population. What do you think ?
- The Town Council’s view is that we should be doing two things:
- Researching and preparing our arguments to oppose any planning application for housing on the Old Nursery site. The Town Council needs to provide some feedback to the developers by mid-September and so we wish to hear from residents
- Thinking about what the Town should be like in 10 or 20 years time, and particularly how to enhance the strengths and manage the current and growing challenges, particularly of land use, traffic flows, parking, litter and antisocial behaviour.
To these ends, we would welcome your thought and ideas, and particularly from any residents of the Town with some skills and/or experience in ecology, transport, development, fund raising, etc
Please respond via email to: PhilipLewis.councillor@gmail.com or letter to; Christmas House, High Street, Fordwich CT2 0DX
Date of the Town’s First Meeting to consider the potential development and the future of Fordwich. Wednesday Sept 9th 7.30pm in St Mary’s, following Social Distancing regulations.
Contacting the police
In an emergency phone 999
If it less immediately important phone 101
If it is a local matter contact: www.kent.police.uk/contactus
or
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Councillor Contacts:
Philip Lewis: pandelewis@gmail.com
Adrian McCarthy: Adrian.mccarthy@isgplc.com
Roger Green: hrmarmg@gmail.com
Geoff Connolly geoffconnolly@btinternet.com
Sue Thompson suet@gmail.com
KENT TOGETHER – HELPLINE LAUNCHED BY KENT COUNTY COUNCIL
A 24-hour helpline has been set up to support vulnerable people in Kent who need urgent help, supplies or medication.
You can contact the Kent Together helpline at www.kent.gov.uk/KentTogether or by calling on 03000 41 92 92. It is a 24-hour service.
Kent County Council also has a page on its website answering frequently asked questions and the very latest Coronavirus information on its service updates page.
Visit www.kent.gov.uk
I hope just about everyone has received the note offering and requesting help during this peculiar time. It says if you want help, or can offer help please contact Chris on :07522 480284 Or email: chrisfris1@gmail.com.
Seniors Helping Seniors has been able to maintain services throughout this extraordinary period.
We have local experienced carers covering Fordwich to help with elderly care in peoples’ homes.
The hourly fee £24.60 includes VAT and paying above the Living Wage to our amazing carers.
· This information may also be useful for people seeking work/to use their care experience to help others during the crisis.
More info here https://canterbury.seniorshelpingseniors.co.uk or call me on my mobile 07802 229050 with any questions