News

A28 scheme wood recycling

8 February 2018 0 Comments

The Public Liaison Officer for the A28 Chart Road widening scheme is collating a list of interested parties that can utilise some of the wood available when work is started on the site clearance of 39 trees. To date over 40 organisations and individuals have expressed an interest in recycling the wood. The uses they have specified are very diverse and include a variety of woodland, artistic and construction projects, Tree species include oak, ash, sycamore horse chestnut, lime, elm and hawthorn some of which are ideal for sculpture and turning projects.

People must be able to collect the wood from a storage area being organised in Ashford during a specified one week window – probably towards the end of February or early March. As this forms part of community project for Ashford  KCC would like to track what happens to the wood.  So they are asking that anyone proposing to utilise any of the wood stays in touch and hopefully send some pictures of what has been made. As part of this project KCC are also hoping to raise money for a worthy local cause and would ask that if wood is taken a small donation is made to this cause. Details of the chosen charity will be confirmed at a later date.

Environment, Kent County Council, News, Transport

A28 Chart Road work begins next week

8 February 2018 0 Comments

Preparation work for the widening of the A28 Chart Road in Ashford will begin next week (February 12).

Kent County Council will then begin work on the £26 million project to widen Chart Road between the Tank and Matalan roundabouts in March and there will be further information provided about this stage of the works in due course.

The widening work is in preparation for the Chilmington Green development which will see around 5,750 homes being built over the next 25 years.

Vegetation and trees affected by the scheme are being cleared before the start of the bird nesting season.

The clearance will take about four weeks and stop and go boards will be necessary to manage traffic when vegetation close to the road is being cleared but this will be restricted to off-peak hours to minimise delays.

KCC will be providing replacement landscaping after the completion of the widening works that will see an increase in the overall number of trees along the route.

KCC will be providing a landscaping after the completion of the widening works that will see an increase in the overall number of trees along the route.

Rather than disposing of the wood, KCC will be creating opportunities for local charities and local craftspeople by reusing as much of the wood as practical.

More details will be provided shortly but if you know of a good cause in the area that could make use of the wood, contact the public liaison officer, Carole Jones at ChartRoadfeedback@jackson-civils.co.uk

Works are due to be completed by autumn 2019.

Kent County Council 07 February 2018
https://kccmediahub.net/a28-work-ashford-begins-next-week745

Kent County Council, News, Transport

Phantom Debt Fraud Alert

31 January 2018 0 Comments

Action Fraud has recently experienced an increase in the number of calls to members of the public by fraudsters requesting payments for a “phantom” debt. The fraud involves being cold-called by someone purporting to be a debt collector, bailiff or other type of enforcement agent. The fraudster may claim to be working under instruction of a court, business or other body and suggest they are recovering funds for a non-existent debt.

The fraudsters are requesting payment, sometimes by bank transfer and if refused, they threaten to visit homes or workplaces in order to recover the supposed debt that is owed. In some cases, the victim is also threatened with arrest. From the reports Action Fraud has received, this type of fraud is presently occurring throughout the UK.

It is important to recognise that there are key differences between the various entities who seek to settle debts or outstanding fees in England and Wales. These differences range from the type of debt they will enforce to the legal powers they possess. To learn more, please take a look at some of the helpful information and links on the Step Change Debt Charity website; https://www.stepchange.org/debt-info/debt-collection/bailiffs-and-debt-collectors-differences.aspx

Protect Yourself

  • Make vigorous checks if you ever get a cold call. Bailiffs for example, should always be able to provide you with a case number and warrant number, along with their name and the court they are calling from; make a note of all details provided to you.
  • If you receive a visit from a bailiff, they must always identify themselves as a Court Bailiff at the earliest possible opportunity. Ask to see their identity card which they must carry to prove who they are, this card shows their photograph and identity number. They will also carry the physical warrant showing the debt and endorsed with a court seal.
  • If you work for a business and receive a call or visit, be sure to speak with your manager or business owner first. Never pay the debts yourself on behalf of the business you work for; some fraudsters have suggested employees make payment suggesting they can then be reimbursed by their employer when in reality the debt is non-existent.
  • Exercise caution believing someone is genuine because you’ve found something on the internet; fraudsters could easily create fake online profiles to make you believe them.
  • Double check with the court, company or public body they claim to work for to confirm whether the call is legitimate; if you use a landline make sure you hear the dialling tone prior to dialling as the caller could still be on the line and you could potentially speak to the fraudster(s) to confirm the non-existent debt. Also be sure to independently search for a telephone number to call; never use a number provided by the caller without carrying out your own research.
  • Do not feel rushed or intimidated to make a decision based on a phone call. Take five and listen to your instincts.
  • If you know you have a debt, keep in regular contact with your creditor and be sure to establish the debt type at the earliest opportunity if you are not aware. This will help you to understand who might be in contact with you regarding any repayments or arrears.

You can report suspicious calls like these to Action Fraud by visiting www.actionfaud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Action Fraud 31 January 2018

Crime, Finance, News, Security