Local News

Town Centre PSPO Orders Introduced

Town Centre PSPO Orders Introduced

Swale Borough Council have teamed up with Kent Police to implement measures to tackle anti-social behaviour, such as street drinking and youth nuisance, in Sittingbourne High Street.

Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) are in place to address street drinking and give officers from Kent Police and the council powers to give fines or take court action, to make the high street a safer place.

The police are taking enforcement action against offenders and are building cases to prosecute individuals who are found to be committing acts of anti-social behaviour. Swale Borough Council’s Rough Sleepers Team have been working closely with the police to help any individuals who are homeless, however, many offenders have been found to not be rough sleepers.

Local charities, Forward Trust and Brogdale CIC, are also working to tackle the root cause of this behaviour by engaging with these groups and offering the support they need to change their behaviour.  

The council’s licensing team have been working with licensed premises on the high street to make sure they are selling alcohol responsibly and looking after the welfare of their customers through limiting their alcohol consumption.

The council’s Safer Streets project, including uniformed marshals patrolling the high street, bolstering the council’s Swale Link project and additional CCTV, has also contributed to tackling these issues.

Cllr Richard Palmer, Chair of Swale Borough Council’s Community and Leisure Committee, told SFM News: “We want people to feel safe when visiting Sittingbourne High Street, and sadly some individuals who carry out anti-social behaviour are going against that aim. That is why we have created a robust action plan, working with multiple agencies, to tackle things like excessive public drinking and all the negativity that comes with that. We have already been working towards a safer community through our Safer Streets project, but it is great to get the backing of the police and other agencies to this behaviour, that frankly has no place in Swale. We will continue our efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour, but we need your help. If you witness anything please contact the police on 101 or report it online – together, with the police, we can create a safer community for everyone.”

Swale Inspector Vanessa Foster told SFM news: “Kent Police is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour and will not tolerate intimidating or nuisance behaviour. As well as ensuring officers regularly patrol the area, we are also working closely with partner agencies, including the council, to ensure there is a joined-up approach in tackling ongoing issues. This close working partnership allows the police to utilise their powers where appropriate but also means the council can ensure they are taking action where they need to. We are all committed to making sure that residents and visitors feel safe and enjoy all the area has to offer when they are here.”

Council Launch Waste Contract Review Survey

Council Launch Waste Contract Review Survey

Swale Borough Council wants local people to share their views about the rollout of the new waste and street cleaning contract.

The council is carrying out a review into the contract with Suez, which began in March, and is looking at a range of issues related to the start of the new contract, including resources, staffing, data, rounds, contract management, and communications.

To make sure people can give their experiences of the move to a new contract, a survey has been launched to get insights into the preparations for the change and experiences following of the rollout.

Councillor Rich Lehmann, Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee at the council, told SFM News: "We know that the move to the new waste contract has not gone as well as we wanted, and we’re still working hard to get Suez to deliver the level of performance we expect. We want to hear people’s experiences about how it went: what went wrong, where did you look for help, what happened when you reported it. This will help us carry out the review by making sure people’s experiences are central to what we’re looking at. These responses will help identify areas for improvement to make sure the service is operating effectively for everyone."

In addition to the survey, the council is carrying out workshops with council officers and Suez representatives, as well as consulting with parish councils and the upcoming round of area committee meetings.

The public survey will close at 11:59pm on Wednesday 2nd October, and is available at www.swale.gov.uk/waste-contract-survey.

Hard copies are also available on request.

Two New A249 Bridge Sections Now In Place

Two New A249 Bridge Sections Now In Place
Pic: Phil Drew
 
Engineers have now craned into place the two new bridge sections across the A249 at the Grovehurst/Iwade roundabout.
 
Both carriageways will remain closed over the weekend but will re-open at 5am tomorrow (Monday 2nd September). There will also be another night closure from 8pm on Monday until 5am on Tuesday (3rd September) morning. Jackson Civil Engineering, the contractors, have also contingency plans to close the road from 8pm on Tuesday until 5am on Wednesday (4th September).
 
There will also be another one-night closure on the A249 Sittingbourne-bound from 8pm on Wednesday until 5am on Thursday (5th September) and a closure of the Sheppey-bound carriageway from 8pm Thursday to 5am Friday (6th September) to reinstall the central crash barrier on the A249.
 
There is also a contingency plan to shut the A249 in both directions from 8pm Friday until 5am Saturday (7th September).
 
After next weekend the Sittingbourne-bound exit slip road, at the Iwade/Grovehurst junction will be closed from 8pm on Monday (9th September) UNTIL SPRING 2025. Traffic will be diverted to Bobbing then return on the opposite carriageway.
 
A spokesman for Jackson Civil Engineering told SFM News: "We understand these works will have a significant impact on travel times. We will keep monitoring our traffic management plans to minimise disruption as much as possible."
 
Stay tuned to 106.9 SFM for the latest traffic news and developments.

Trading Standards Seize Illegal Vapes In Milton

Trading Standards Seize Illegal Vapes In Milton

Kent Police have confirmed that a shop has been visited following concerns raised with the local beat officer in Milton Regis.

Earlier today (Friday 30th August) Kent Police conducted a joint visit, with Kent County Council Trading Standards, to a retail premises on Milton Regis High Street where a large quantity of illegal vapes and tobacco was seized.

The seizure of illegal vapes in the county has soared in the past three years according to recent figures, mainly due to illicit e-cigarette smuggling through the Port of Dover.

The UKVIA (UK Vaping Industry Association) is calling for fines to be raised to at least £10,000, which they believe "would be a real deterrent to the illegal trade in the UK".

 

A Fantastic Day In Town As Carnival Returns

A Fantastic Day In Town As Carnival Returns

Sittingbourne was brimming with pride and joy on Sunday (25th August) afternoon with the welcome return of Sittingbourne Carnival after a five yaer hiatus.

The 106.9 SFM Roadshow Crew were LIVE On Ait at Milton Regis Recreational Ground getting ready for the big day, with Carnival Courts from all over Kent and local business and voluntary groups with floats and displays in the procession.

It's been a labour of love for Sittingbourne Carnival's Chair Kelly Kay who has spent the last 18 months building up to the big day following the sad death of former Chair Pam Griggs back in April.

The procession, which was headed by a horse-drawn wagon carrying the Mayor of Swale Cllr Ben Martin and this year's Miss Sittingbourne, included a Lightning McQueen Mustang, local dance schools, baton twirlers, gymnastic clubs, nurseries, tractors and a vintage army vehicle. 

Kelly told SFM News: "a big thank you to everyone who attended today and brought the Carnival back to life here in Sittingbourne".

 

Milton Creek Picks Up Wilder Kent Award

Milton Creek Picks Up Wilder Kent Award

Milton Creek Country Park have won Silver at this year’s Wilder Kent Awards for their hard work in helping to create a Wilder Kent.

The awards, supported by the Marsh Charitable Trust, saw 87 organisations shortlisted and their efforts resulted in a staggering 120,000 people in the county receiving the nature benefits from the actions taken by the entrants. The finalists covered four categories, businesses, community groups, schools and villages, towns and cities. 18 received the highest accolade of gold, 23 silver, 27 bronze and 19 awarded commendations.

They received their award at a special ceremony at Canterbury University on Saturday 20th July, hosted by TV presenter and producer of 'Talk on the Wild Side' Podcast, Rob Smith. The Wilder Kent Awards were set up by Kent Wildlife Trust in 2020 as a way of recognising and rewarding the positive actions that groups across Kent are taking in order to protect wildlife and safeguard nature for future generations.

Kent Wildlife Trust’s Tom White, told SFM News: "We were absolutely bowled away by both the quantity and quality of this year's entries. The work that is going on in the county to create a wilder Kent is outstanding. When we are constantly faced with negativity about the nature and climate emergencies, it can be overwhelming, but here are 87 projects that are making a signifi cant diff erence to the people living in Kent from which around 120,000 would have benefi tted. From community gardens to schemes to tackle food waste and other harnessing renewable energy, these awards empower people, and demonstrate that we all have it in us to do something special that makes a difference."

One of the volunteer's from the Friends of Milton Creek Country Park told SFM News: "We are absolutely thrilled to receive the Wilder Kent Silver Award from Kent Wildlife Trust! The achievement is a collective endeavor involving all volunteers, from marketing to maintaining the park's cleanliness, tidiness, and accessibility for local residents. Across the Swale area, several other parks have also been recognised, highlighting the shared passion and dedication of everyone towards wildlife conservation".

Kent Wildlife Trust is the county’s leading conservation charity with more than 31,000 members and over 1000 registered volunteers. They manage and protect over 9000 acres of land across more than 80 different sites and nature reserves, alongside 3 visitor centres and they work closely with local communities, landowners and partners to protect and improve habitats in the countryside, coast and town for the benefi t of the wildlife and people of Kent.

Police Appeal Following Reported Indecent Exposure

Police Appeal Following Reported Indecent Exposure

Witnesses are sought following a report of a man exposing himself near Sittingbourne.

At around 7pm last night (Wednesday 21st August) it was reported that a man was seen exposing himself from inside a car in Cryalls Lane, near Borden.

The man is described as in his 40s or 50s, bald, with thin facial hair and was wearing a grey T-shirt.

Anyone who witnessed the incident and has yet to speak to officers, or who has dashcam footage which may assist police, is urged to call Kent Police on 01795 419119 quoting 22-0229.

Alternatively they can also call Crimestoppers FREE and anonymously on 0800 555 111 or complete the online form at:- https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/pre-form 

 

GCSE Results Day Across Sittingbourne

GCSE Results Day Across Sittingbourne

Secondary school pupils across Sittingbourne were able to pick up their GCSE Results from 8am this morning (Thursday 22nd August).

Nationally the pass rate across England, Wales and Northern Ireland has fallen for the third year running – with 67.6% of all grades at 4/C and above. Since 2017 scores have been used in a numerical scale with grades being ranked from 1 (which is the lowest) to 9 (the highest). A standard pass is considered to be a 4 and a strong pass as a 5.

The Sittingbourne School (TSS) have had "a range of excellent GCSE and BTEC results". One standout student was Dami, she achieved nine GCSEs, including a Grade 9 in both Maths and History along with three grade 8s in Biology, Chemistry and Computing and Physics.

Headteacher Nick Smith told SFM News: “This year we have seen some fantastic GCSE and Vocational results for students across the subjects. We are proud of all of our students who have consistently demonstrated dedication, resilience and hard work; today's results are a testament to their commitment. We wish them every success as they embark on the exciting next chapter of their lives."

Fulston Manor School were also celebrating today telling SFM News there was "an improvement in the number of students achieving a grade 4 or above in both English and Maths". Top performers there included Bethany who achieved three Grade 9s, two Grade 8s, one Grade 7 and one Grade 6.

Headteacher Susie Burden told SFM News: “I would like to praise all our students for their efforts and our staff for all of the support they have given them throughout their time here.”

At Borden Grammar fifty of their Year 11 students achieved five or more top grades (7-9) with 20 of these achieving 9 or more GCSE top grades (7-9). Grade 9 is only achieved by less than 2% nationally and this year, 2 Borden students achieved 6 Grade 9s, one achieved 8 Grade 9s and one student unbelievably achieved all 11 GCSEs at Grade 9.

At Highsted Grammar 15 pupils gained a clean sweep of top grades across 10 or more subjects: Angelique B, Kamilla B, Lucy B, Victoria B, Hope D, Olivia H, Chloe L, Isobel M, Summer McK, Adedolapo O, Ruby P, Matilda P, Yolla S, Katie S and Angelina T.

 

New Closure Dates For Bridge Announced

New Closure Dates For Bridge Announced

Network Rail have announced details of a further closure of the Kingsferry Bridge.

The 1950s bridge, which connects the Isle of Sheppey with mainland Kent over the Swale, will be closed to pedestrians, cyclists, rail, road and maritime traffic from 22:00 hrs on Thursday 24th October with an estimated completion by 05:00 hrs on Sunday 3rd November.

Stay tuned to 106.9 SFM for the latest information, as we get it.

 

Cardiac Arrest Survivor Reunites With Paramedics

Cardiac Arrest Survivor Reunites With Paramedics

A mother of three young children from Sittingbourne was recently able to reunite with the ambulance service colleagues who helped to save her life last year.

Gemma Ledger, now aged 39, suffered a cardiac arrest at her home in the early hours of the morning on Monday 23rd January 2023, while her three children now aged two, five and 13 were asleep next door.

Gemma’s partner of 18 years, Richard, woke to what sounded like Gemma snoring, but when he tried to wake her, he found her gasping for air. Gemma became unconscious moments later and Richard immediately called 999, where he was instructed on how to perform effective CPR prior to the arrival of ambulance teams.

Arriving on scene was Operational Team Leader, Paul Ellis, Trainee Associate Ambulance Practitioner, Graham Seal, Ambulance Paramedic, Tobias Hiller-Wood, and Critical Care Paramedic, Kieren Pugh.

Crews administered an astonishing 10 shocks with a defibrillator before achieving a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), and stabilising Gemma before taking her to Kings College Hospital in London.

Richard told SFM News: “The drive to Kings was one of the scariest of my life. It felt like it took forever. We were told that Gemma had a five per cent chance of survival for an out of hospital cardiac arrest, so I went through a range of emotions while travelling up to London. I can’t thank Graham enough for trying to keep my mind occupied while driving as quick as he could to Kings.”

Gemma spent a week in intensive care, before being moved to a general ward for a further two weeks recovery.

Both Gemma and Richard were recently able to visit South East Coast Ambulance’s Medway Make Ready Centre in Gillingham where they were reunited with the ambulance service colleagues who responded to Gemma, as well as being given a tour of the facility, including the Emergency Operations Centre.

Gemma told SFM News: “I have no memory of the event itself, until I woke up in hospital days later, so it was an eye-opener for me to meet those who helped me. I am so appreciative of their efforts and truly wouldn’t be here today without them.”

Richard went on to say: “Originally, we thought that Gemma had a low chance of survival, so it is truly a miracle that she’s here today. A big thank you to the team, they all do a great job every day and are lovely people. Many thanks from the bottom of our hearts.”

Graham told SFM News: “It’s rare that we ever get to meet a cardiac arrest survivor, and so I am so pleased that Gemma and Richard wanted to meet us. Richard’s good quality CPR played a huge factor as to why Gemma is still here today, and we can’t thank him enough for starting the process before our arrival.”

Gemma is on a long road to recovery and is taking every day as it comes. She suffers with a number of side-effects including tiredness, and since the incident has successfully been fitted with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD).

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