Local News

Swale Borough Council has joined hundreds of local authorities up and down the country by raising the Commonwealth flag on Commonwealth Day (Monday 10th March).

At 10.00am five hundred flags were raised in unison across the British Isles to allow communities to express their commitment to the Commonwealth, to show their appreciation of the values it stands for, and the opportunities that are available.

Leader of the Council, Andrew Bowles, read out the Commonwealth Affirmation and Queen's Message at the front of Swale House, whilst the Duty House Superintendent raised the flag from the roof. After the prestigious flag was raised, Council Leader Andrew Bowles told SFM News: "It was a real pleasure to be part of the Commonwealth flag ceremony, with fellow members of the Cabinet and others outside of Swale House. This event took place up and down the country and reaffirms Swale's commitment to the Commonwealth."

Mayor of Swale Cllr Sue Gent was over at the Sheppey Gateway in Sheerness High Street with her Mayoral Cadet, Cadet Sergeant Jake Hanley of Kent Army Cadet Force in Sittingbourne, and both shared the responsibility of reading the Commonwealth Affirmation and Queen's Message.

Upon seeing the flag raised Mayor of Swale, Sue Gent told SFM News: "This is the first time that a ceremony of this scale has taken place for Commonwealth Day and I felt very honoured to be part of it and pledge our continued support to the Commonwealth."

The Commonwealth flag was also raised at The Alexander Centre in Preston Road, Faversham, at 10.00am to show it's support for Commonwealth Day aswell.

Kamalesh Sharma, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth told SFM News: "Flying a Flag for the Commonwealth is a most imaginative way for people in local communities - wherever they live, learn or work - to join together with others throughout the Commonwealth in a spirit of respect and understanding to celebrate the variety and unmatched diversity of our global family. I welcome and commend it."

The transfer of Iwade Barn to the community in the village is to be discussed at the next Swale Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 12th March.

The recommendation is to offer a new Iwade Barn Trust the 125-year lease for the Grade II listed Barn located at Iwade Cemetery, the adjacent small garden area and associated parking facilities.

The barn is owned by Ward Homes and it is hoped ownership will be transferred to the council by June this year under a Section 106 agreement. The Parish Council approached the council requesting the use of a barn for use by the local community and has proposed the barn be used for an internet cafe, a meeting place and for events associated with church services.

Councillor Mike Whiting, Cabinet Member for Localism said: "By transferring the barn to the Trust, it will be run and used by and for the benefit of the Iwade community. I am confident the Trust will continue to develop activities for the community and the barn will grow to become the heart of the parish. Localism at its best."

It is expected that the Trust will consist of representatives from Iwade Parish Council, the Parochial Church Council and other interested members of the local community. Consultation has been undertaken with Iwade Parish Council, the Parochial Church Council, and the Ward member for Iwade and Lower Halstow, Cllr Ben Stokes, who all support the proposal.

The lease agreement for Iwade Barn is one of four asset transfers under discussion at the next Cabinet meeting as a result of the new Asset Transfer Policy and a drive for greater localism. Other transfers include a transfer of Faversham Allotments to Faversham Town Council; Queenborough Harbour Trust are being offered a lease to occupy Queenborough Quay and other associated areas; and Queenborough Town Council are being offered three separate leases for allotment sites in Queenborough. At the Cabinet meeting in February, a transfer of Kemsley Village Hall to Kemsley Community Centre Trust on a 125 year lease was also agreed.  

Kent Police have confirmed that they were called to a road traffic collision, between junctions 3 and 4 on the coast-bound carriageway of the M2, at 1.40pm this afternoon (Sunday 16th February).

In the accident, which involved four cars altogether, one car landed on its roof in the middle of the carriageway.

A woman, from Camberwell in South East London, who was a passenger in the over-turned vehicle, suffered severe injuries and was taken to a London hospital by the Kent Air Ambulance. Kent Fire and Rescue Service were also in attendance due to fuel leaking from the vehicle.

Both carriageways' traffic was stopped for the air ambulance. The London-bound carriageway was re-opened at 3.30pm and the coast-bound at 4.15pm.

The injured woman is believed to have possible life-changing injuries. The driver of the vehicle was not injured.

The Serious Collision Unit, at Maidstone Police HQ, are appealling for witnesses to contact them on 01622 653430.

The Met Office has confirmed that a vigorous area of low pressure is expected to move northeastwards across the UK today (Wednesday 12th February) clearing eastwards by the early hours of tomorrow morning. That have also confirmed that "this is likely to be accompanied by a swathe of southwesterly gales across many areas which may be severe in places. Winds will veer more westerly later in the day".

A first peak in the winds is likely over southern and England around the midday with the main swathe of even stronger and potentially damaging winds crossing parts of Wales then northern England later in the day. They state that "the public should be prepared for the the risk of disruption to transport and possibly also power supplies. In addition, large waves are likely to affect coastal areas. 

According to the Met Office, around 50mm of rain could fall locally through until Friday afternoon, which is roughly the amount normally expected in all of February. Winds of up to 60mph are also being predicted for Kent on Friday and the start of the weekend.

Stay tuned to 106.9 SFM for further information.