Hello!
It has been a while since I have written a monthly Chairman’s letter. However, as a Council, we have been reflecting on how we can improve the way we communicate. Since the Village Magazine folded, most of our regular communication has been through social media and our website. We know that this does not suit everyone. Hence, the return of my monthly letter, which will be displayed on the Parish Council noticeboard as well as published electronically.
I am also really pleased to say that all of the papers for Council meetings will be available in hard copy at Hawkhurst Library from November. Hopefully, these steps will provide more opportunities for everyone to keep updated in a way that works for them. Please let us have suggestions for further steps that we can take.
I am delighted to let you know that the Parish Council is now back to full strength following the co-options in July. I would like to welcome Michael Anderson and David Lloyd Owen to the Parish Council.
Over the past few months, we have reviewed our existing strategy and agreed on three key areas to prioritise over the term of this Council:
- ensuring that all of our existing facilities are of a good standard and meet residents’needs;
- our major project at KGV – the first element of which is improving drainage, followedby the new playground, and then the new Community and Sports Centre; and
- updating Hawkhurst’s Neighbourhood Development Plan.
Writing this at the end of October, I am waiting for the Inspector’s decision on the Golf Club Appeal. I have to admit that I am dreading it and looking forward to it in equal measure, as I am sure many of you are. We should get the decision in November. Thank you to everyone who supported this campaign, whether that be financially, by submitting comments or attending the Inquiry itself. Whatever the outcome, we did everything that we could as a village.
Clare Escombe
Chairman, Hawkhurst Parish Council