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NOTICE OF VACANCY
IN OFFICE OF COUNCILLOR
PARISH OF HIGH HALDEN
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN
that due to the resignation of Elizabeth Wheeler, a vacancy has arisen in the Office of Councillor for the Parish Council.
If by 20 November, 2025 (14 days* after the date of this notice) a request for an election to fill the said vacancy is made in writing to the Returning Officer at [email protected] or International House, Dover Place, Ashford, Kent TN23 1HU, by TEN electors for the said Parish, an election will be held to fill the said vacancy, otherwise the vacancy will be filled by co-option.
Please note when making an election request you must provide your full name and address as we are required to check that you are on the electoral register for the required area.
If an election is called, it will take place not later than 28 January, 2026.
Dated 31 October, 2025
Clerk to the Parish Council
Ms Louise Goldsmith
5 Artisan Road
Headcorn
TN27 9AZ
* In computing any period of time for this purpose, a Saturday, Sunday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Good Friday, a bank holiday or day appointed for public thanksgiving or mourning must be disregarded.
The KALC Community Awards Scheme is designed to provide recognition and acknowledgement to an individual or group who have made a significant contribution to their local community. A significant contribution to the local community may include: Long and sustained service to the community; Inspiring achievements or actions benefitting the local community; Activities that have brought benefit, recognition, or credit to the area and its people. The winner will be presented with a Certificate at the Annual Parish Meeting of the Parish Council which will be signed by the Kent County Chairman/Mayor of Medway, the High Sheriff of Kent and the KALC Chairman. The High Sheriff of Kent has also agreed to host an evening of celebration on Wednesday 8 April 2026. This will be held at the Shepherd Neame Brewery, in Faversham. Your Parish Council is seeking nominations for this award for an individual or group in High Halden. If you would like to put someone or a group forward please complete this survey.
KCC Councillor Wayne Chapman
Town / Parish Council Report – November 2025
Highways Update
- Appledore Road, Tenterden – We are still waiting for UK Power Networks to complete the connection of the new streetlights. Once this is done, KCC’s Streetworks Coordination Team will agree a resurfacing schedule with Vistry (the site developer). The works will cover the stretch from the bottom of Beacon Oak Hill, past the Vistry development, and most of the stretch through to William Judge Close. These improvements must be completed before any homes are occupied.
- Cranbrook Road, Tenterden (2–4 November) - Closed from the A28 to Boundary Farm for repairs to approximately 140 potholes.
- Tenterden Road, Biddenden (4–6 November) - Closed between Boundary Farm and Benenden Road (Castletons Oak) for repairs to approximately 130 potholes.
I would like to recognise the excellent ongoing work of the Kent County Council Highways Department. Many of these issues were first reported by residents - I follow them up to ensure they are completed on your behalf as your KCC Councillor.
Please also note that I remain in regular contact with Cllr Sue Ferguson, who runs the Facebook page “Tenterden, Kent – The Jewel of the Weald” and the website www.mytenterden.co.uk, both of which provide up-to-date local information between my monthly reports, as well as many other items of community interest.
Highway and Pavement Salt / Grit Bins
Due to current budget constraints, no additional salt or grit bins can be installed across Kent this winter. However, following a local resident’s request, I have arranged for one new bin to be installed at the top of Homewood Road - this will be the only new installation.
Residents can help by keeping an eye on the condition and contents of existing bins. If you notice that a bin needs refilling or maintenance, please report it via:
https://www.kent.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/report-or-track-a-problem-on-the-road-or-pavement
Photos are always appreciated to assist the team.
Remembrance Sunday
Remembrance Day (11 November) is fast approaching. Services will take place across the country on Remembrance Sunday 9 November, and I will be attending the Tenterden service at the War Memorial on the High Street.
Please wear your poppy with pride as we honour:
- The sacrifices of the UK and Commonwealth Armed Forces
- The dedication of their families, and of the emergency services
- The memory of innocent civilians who have lost their lives in conflicts and acts of terrorism
Let us remember them all with gratitude.
Grow in Kent / Eurostar to Kent
I recently took part in the “Grow in Kent” event held at Ashford and Ebbsfleet International Stations, led by KCC Leader Linden Kemkaran. The event focused on reconnecting Kent to international rail travel, a vital step in boosting our economy, supporting local businesses, and reinforcing Kent’s role as a gateway to Europe.
Good news for Kent:
The Office of Rail and Road has granted Virgin Trains access to the Temple Mills International Depot, paving the way for the first real competition on the cross-Channel route in 30 years.
This decision could:
- Reconnect Kent to direct European routes
- Boost local business and tourism
- Fulfil the original promise of High Speed 1
Over 82,000 people backed the campaign to bring services back - your voices have been heard.
Kent County Council will now work with Virgin Trains and partners to make this happen. Kent is ready - and we’re not stopping here.
Local Government Reorganisation & Devolution (LGR&D)
The LGR&D process has been initiated by central government - not KCC - requiring all Kent councils to review their structures, with no transition funding provided. This means additional costs are inevitable and may be reflected in future council tax bills.
As a member of the KCC LGR&D Committee, I have been directly involved in discussions. Several models are being explored, but KCC’s preferred option - the “Hybrid 1A Model” - proposes a single unitary authority supported by three local assemblies.
This model preserves KCC’s efficiency and resilience while devolving more powers to local communities. Financial analysis shows it to be the most viable option, both short- and long-term.
Our next committee meeting will be on Monday 3 November, followed by the full council meeting on Thursday 6 November, where our proposal will progress to the next stage.
You can read the full KCC report here:
https://democracy.kent.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=979&MId=9846&Ver=4
Staying Focused on Local Priorities
“As councillors, we are mindful of the wider political landscape, including the growing discussion across all parties about how local and national government can deliver better value and accountability. My focus, however, remains firmly on local priorities and service delivery here in Tenterden and the surrounding villages.”
Parish / Town Council Meetings - November 2025
I plan to attend the following meetings this month (subject to other commitments):
- 3 November – Newenden Parish Council
- 10 November – Tenterden Town Council
- 11 November – Wittersham Parish Council
Contact Details
Email: [email protected]
For any highways, street lighting, or footpath issues, please report online first via:
https://www.kent.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/report-or-track-a-problem-on-the-road-or-pavement
Many thanks,
Wayne Chapman
Kent County Councillor – Tenterden Division
We have launched a Community Governance Review (CGR) to explore whether a new town council should be created for Ashford – the only area in the district currently without a town or parish council. This is your chance to help decide how Ashford is represented in the future!
We encourage you to read the information on our webpage before you complete the survey. We welcome views from residents, businesses, community organisations and local groups. You can have your say by completing a short survey which is open until 5pm on the 5th of December.
Please complete the survey here: Community Governance Review - Ashford | Have Your Say Ashford
Kind regards,
Corporate Policy Team
Ashford Borough Council of Europe
https://haveyoursay.ashford.gov.uk/community-governance-review