Parish Council

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Shorne’s New Play Area Now Open

The new play equipment and play area at Shorne Common, Mill Hill Lane, was officially opened by the Mayor of Gravesham Cllr Lyn Milner and Shorne Parish Council Chairman Bob Lane on Saturday, 10th July 2021. This was the culmination of a year’s work in planning, equipment selection, consultation, and fund-raising.  Over 80 people attended the event, including residents, parish councillors, Kent County Cllr Bryan Sweetland, and Adam Holloway MP. Cllr Sweetland sponsored a KCC Member’s grant towards the cost, and as well as funds allocated by Shorne Parish Council, we were successful in being awarded a grant by Veolia Environmental Trust, and in securing a significant contribution from Gravesham Borough Council.  In addition, a number of local residents kindly donated towards the cost, and we would like to thank them on behalf of the parish. The Parish Council has no resources to maintain the play area, so we would welcome volunteers to become Friends of Shorne Play Area to help with the general upkeep of the area.  Later this year, we hope to establish a children’s adventure trail in the woodland behind the play area.

Gravesham Ward Boundary Review Consultation

The Local Government Boundary Commission has launched a review of the ward arrangements for Gravesham following a decision to reduce the number of Borough Councillors from 44 to 39.  This will inevitably have an impact on certain wards, including possibly Shorne, Cobham and Higham. The reduction from 44 to 39 councillors will mean that the target number of voters per councillor will increase to around 1,960 voters, plus or minus up to 10%.  A 2-member ward will need to have around 3,920 voters, plus or minus up to 10%. As an example, Higham Ward has 2 members, but currently only has 3,190 voters.  Shorne, Cobham & Luddesdown Ward has 2 members, but currently only has 3,307 voters.  That includes 1,262 in Shorne Village and 734 in Shorne West. You can find out more and have your say at https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk//have-your-say/27825.  The consultation period runs from today until 2 August.

Children’s Play Area – Let us know your views

Introduction Shorne Parish Council is proposing to carry out a modest upgrade to the children’s play area on Shorne Common.  Although it will not be huge new play area, it will be a significant investment for the parish, and it’s important we get it right, so we are inviting residents of Shorne to let us know their views. If your children or grandchildren use the play area, or are likely to make use of it in the future, we would very much appreciate you taking the time to respond to us by emailing us your support to: playarea@shorneparishcouncil.org.  The more positive responses we receive, the better our chances of securing grant funding. Please take a little time to read this as it is intended to give you a bit of background and an idea of our initial proposals. Location and description of the children’s play area Shorne Play Area is situated on Shorne Common at the top of Mill Hill Lane in Shorne.  It can be reached on foot from the village centre via Butchers Hill.  There is a small parking area adjacent to the common. The play equipment is set in a pleasant green surrounded by mature trees.  There are bench seats available, and beautiful woodland walks nearby. The play area is open to all residents during daylight hours. A location map is show below. Why do we want to upgrade the play equipment? The existing play equipment was obtained second-hand from Gravesham Borough Council  approximately 25 years ago.  It consists of a toddlers’ slide and a toddlers’ cradle swing.  Although well used and well maintained, the two items of equipment are not compliant with modern standards, and cannot easily be modernised. The annual inspection reports regularly highlight the following deficiencies: The timber steps on the slide do not … Read more

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