Environment

Flood Warning lifted

23 December 2019 0 Comments

The Flood Warning affecting parts of South Ashford was lifted on Monday Morning and the Flood Alert for the Lower Stour was lifted thisMorning (Christmas Day) but the whole of the Upper Stour area remains at Flood Alert

Updated at 7:42pm Wednesday 25 December 2019

Upper River Stour

Flooding is possible – be prepared

River levels have fallen significantly throughout the Upper Stour catchment but some low lying land and roads may still be affected by flood water, particularly in the area around Great Chart. The Aldington and Hothfield flood storage areas are still impounding water from the recent heavy rainfall last week but water levels are falling steadily. The weather conditions are expected to remain dry overnight but further rainfall is forecast on Boxing Day, 26 December 2019 which is likely to cause further localised flooding of low lying land.   We are continuing to monitor the situation as the catchments remain very responsive to further rainfall.    This Flood Alert message will be updated tomorrow morning, 26 December 2019.

This information was last updated at 7:42pm Wednesday 25 December 2019

River levels are falling through the catchment. We are storing water at Aldington and Hothfield Flood Storage Reservoirs and they are emptying slowly. Today is forecast to be dry but the occasional shower cannot be ruled out. Weak frontal systems are forecast on Monday/Tuesday night with blustery showers embedded, a second system is forecast for Thursday. The current expectation is that these are not likely to be as disruptive as last weeks rainfall. We are monitoring conditions. Residents should remain vigilant as catchments are saturated.

This information was last updated at 12:33pm Monday 23 December 2019

South Ashford on the East Stour River, Aylesford Stream, Whytewater Dyke and Ruckinge Dyke

Last time in force: 8:57am Monday 23 December 2019

After a period of drier weather, river levels have fallen and the risk of flooding has now passed.

This information was last updated at 8:57am Monday 23 December 2019

Upper River Stour

Flooding is possible – be prepared

River levels are high following recent heavy rainfall. The weather forecast is for less rainfall over the next few days, which will allow river levels to reduce. The ground remains very wet, and river levels will rise again if there is further heavy rain. We continue to monitor the situation closely, This message will be updated in the morning on Monday 23/12/19, or as the situation changes.

This information was last updated at 7:05pm Sunday 22 December 2019

Environment, News, Safety

Flood warning

21 December 2019 0 Comments

South Ashford on the East Stour River, Aylesford Stream, Whytewater Dyke and Ruckinge Dyke

Flooding is expected – immediate action required

River levels remain high in Ashford following rainfall over the last few days. We expect river levels to fall through Sunday 22 and Monday 23 December. No further heavy or prolonged rainfall is forecast, and we expect the situation to improve. We will update this message by 9am on Monday 23 December, or as the situation changes.

This information was last updated at 9:54pm Sunday 22 December 2019

River levels remain high in Ashford following rainfall over the last few days. We expect river levels to fall through Sunday 22 December. No further heavy or prolonged rainfall is forecast, and we expect the situation to improve. We will update this message by 3pm on Sunday 22 December, or as the situation changes.

This information was last updated at 5:06am Sunday 22 December 2019

Heavy showers have held river levels high and they remain at their peak level. This warning remains in force. We are continuing to monitor conditions in the catchment and are clearing blockages where they are identified. We are storing water at Aldington and Hothfield upstream of Ashford . Residents are recommended to remain vigilant. A few heavy showers are forecast throughout the day before a band of frontal rain passes through overnight from saturday to sunday 21st to 22nd December 2019. River levels will respond to this but given the forecast it is not thought that conditions will be any worse than they were on Friday

This information was last updated at 1:14pm Saturday 21 December 2019

River levels remain high but steady following prolonged rainfall, especially in Ashford. Flooding of properties, including The Stour centre, roads and farmland is possible. We believe there is a possibility of flooding for properties along Tannery Lane. Further rainfall is forecast through Saturday 21 December which may cause levels to rise again. We are closely monitoring the situation. Please plan driving routes to avoid low-lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded. This message will be updated on Saturday afternoon 21/12/2019

This information was last updated at 5:05am Saturday 21 December 2019

https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/target-area/064FWF6SouthAsh

Know what to do

The best way to protect yourself from flooding is to know what to do in advance.

We issue 3 levels of flood warning:

Image of flood alert symbol
Flood alert – Prepare
  • prepare a bag that includes medicines and insurance documents
  • check flood warnings

Image of flood warning symbol
Flood warning – Act
  • turn off gas, water and electricity
  • move things upstairs or to safety
  • move family, pets and car to safety

Image of severe flood warning symbol
Severe flood warning – Survive
  • call 999 if in immediate danger
  • follow advice from emergency services
  • keep yourself and your family safe

https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/plan-ahead-for-flooding

Environment, Flood, News, Safety

Revised collections

9 December 2019 0 Comments

Revised recycling and refuse collection dates for Christmas and the New Year

Normal collection day Revised collection day
RecyclingMon 23 DecNo Change
Tues 24 Dec No Change
Wed 25 DecFri 27 Dec
Thurs 26 DecSat 28 Dec
Fri 27 DecMon 30 Dec
RefuseMon 30 DecTues 31 Dec
Tue 31 DecThurs 2 Jan
Wed 1 JanFri 3 Jan
Thurs 2 JanSat 4 Jan
Fri 3 Jan Mon 6 Jan
RecyclingMon 6 Jan Tues 7 Jan
Tues 7 Jan Wed 8 Jan
Wed 8 JanThurs 9 Jan
Thurs 9 JanFri 10 Jan
Fri 10 Jan Sat 11 Jan

Normal service will resume Monday 13 Jan 2020

Ashford Borough Council, Environment, News

Extended bin collection times

22 October 2019 0 Comments

  • Recycling bin
  • Waste and food bins

Due to potential disruptions over the next few months Ashford Borough Council are extending bin collection times from the beginning of November. Bins will need to be presented no later than 6am on the morning of collection, if it safe to do so you can leave your bin out the evening before.

Collections are also being extended to take place later in the day so if your bin is not collected at the usual time please leave it out and crews will get to you as soon as they are able. There is a possibility that food waste may be collected separately from your recycling and refuse bins so please leave your caddy out if it hasn’t been collected.

The Council thanks you in advance for your co-operation and apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Ashford Borough Council, Environment, News

Kent and Medway Energy and Low Emissions Strategy

2 August 2019 0 Comments

Kent County Council

Opens: 02 July 2019
Closes: 23 Sep 2019

Kent and Medway are growing. By 2031 it is anticipated that there will be almost 180,000 new homes and nearly 400,000 extra people, a 24% increase from 2011 levels. The local economy is expected to continue to expand, creating an additional 170,300 jobs by 2031, a 21% increase from 2011 levels, in line with forecast population growth.

Growth, if clean, is a significant opportunity for Kent and Medway. Measures to tackle poor air quality and lower emissions will have multiple benefits. For instance, promoting active travel especially walking and cycling improves health and reduces congestion; and supporting a switch to more efficient, low carbon energy use creates jobs and new market opportunities.

By tackling poor air quality, energy and carbon constraints in parallel, and by working closely across the public sector, business and communities to scale up action, we can protect health, the environment and be a significant player in the low carbon environmental goods and services sector both in the UK and internationally.

The Kent and Medway Energy and Low Emissions Strategy (ELES) is a sub strategy of the Kent Environment Strategy. Its purpose is to identify an evidence-based approach to deliver clean growth. This includes strategies and actions to reduce carbon emissions, eliminate poor air quality, reduce fuel poverty and deliver an affordable, clean and secure energy supply.

Documents

Links to documents on KCC web site.

Respond

Links

Details

Consulting Organisation TypeKent County Council
Consulting Organisation NameKent County Council
District / Borough areas affected by the consultationAshford Canterbury Dartford Dover Gravesham Maidstone Medway Sevenoaks Shepway Swale Thanet Tonbridge & Malling Tunbridge Wells
Consultation TopicGeneral interest Environment and countryside
Consultation MethodsOnline survey / questionnaire / forms Other survey / questionnaire / forms
Contact DetailsPlease email:  KES@kent.gov.uk

Kent County Council
https://consultations.kent.gov.uk/consult.ti/energyandlowemissionconsultation/consultationHome

Consultation, Environment, Kent County Council, News

Celebrating funding success!

16 July 2019 0 Comments

Ashford Borough Council has been awarded more than £3 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund to revitalise Victoria Park.

The funding, thanks to National Lottery players, means the council can deliver its exciting plans to redevelop and restore one of Ashford’s oldest and most-loved green spaces, working with the local community, volunteer groups and the Friends of Victoria Park.

Proposals include a new children’s play area, improvements to the river, improved lighting across the park, and a new community hub building with café, and new toilets. The iconic Grade II Listed Hubert Fountain and the surrounding piazza area will also be restored and repaired.

The council will be employing four new members of staff to manage the project, including a parks officer who will be based on site. There will also be opportunities for the community to get involved with volunteering roles as part of the project.

Almost £1.9 million will be spent on repairs and conservation of the historical aspects of the park, and another £1 million has been earmarked for new building work including access paths, signage, bridges, and dipping platforms.

Friends of Victoria Park have welcomed the success and will be exhibiting some details of the proposals at Create and Mr. Harper’s Birthday Party this weekend.

Ashford Borough Council
https://news.ashford.gov.uk/news/celebrating-funding-success/

Ashford Borough Council, Environment, Finance, Heritage, News, Victoria Park

Friends of Victoria Park Meeting

29 June 2019 0 Comments

Hubert Fountain

The next meeting
of the Friends of Victoria Park will be heldat 7.30 pm

on Thurday 4th July 2019

at Ashford Indoor Bowls Centre
Victoria Park, Jemmett Rd, TN23 4QD

The agenda for the meeting is

  1. Apologies
  2. Welcome and Update
  3. Minutes of Previous meeting
  4. Matters Arising
  5. Election of new committee member
  6. Logo
  7. Finance
  8. Events and Activities
    • Summer Series
    • Create/Mr Harpers Birthday
    • Butterfly Count
    • Family Fun Run
  9. Any Other business

Download a printable copy here

Environment, News, Victoria Park

Friends of Victoria Park Meeting

16 April 2019 0 Comments

The next meeting of the Friends of Victoria Park will be held

at 7.00 pm

on Monday 29th April 2019

at Ashford Indoor Bowls Centre
Victoria Park, Jemmett Rd, TN23 4QD

We will be joined by Chris Dixon, Arts and Cultural Industries Manager, at Ashford Borough Council, who will tell us about Create Music Festival 2019

Join us if you would like to help protect, conserve and enhance Victoria Park and invite friends and neighbours who would also like to help.

(more…)

Community, Environment, News, Victoria Park

Halstow Way appropriation notice

21 February 2019 0 Comments

View from open space

Following our announcement that Ashford Borough Council have submitted a planning application for the construction of 17 affordable rented apartments on the Noakes Meadow public open space (refer to our post dated 26 October 2018), the Council have now published a notice of their intention to appropriate the site for the purpose.

Local Government Act 1972 Sections 121(1) & 122(2b)

Land known as land at Halstow Way

Notice is hereby given that Ashford Borough Council intends to appropriate for housing purposes land having an approximate area of 3,347 square metres at Halstow Way. This land consists of open space. A plan of the land is available to view at the Customer Contact Centre of Ashford Borough Council.

Any objections to the intended appropriation must be made in writing and addressed to: – Mr T W Mortimer, Corporate Director (Law and Governance) & Monitoring Officer, Ashtord Borough Council, Civic Centre,Tannery
Lane, Ashford, Kent, TN23 1 PL, quoting reference DSJ/H6-383

Objections must be received no later than 8th March 2019.

Dated this 7th February 2019.

T W Mortimer
Corporate Director (Law and Governance) & Monitoring Officer
Ashtord Borough Council

Ashford Borough Council, Environment, News, Planning and Development