Thank you to Tilly Spong, Simon Wolliscroft, Mark Chandler and Gillian Henley who have provided some fantastic village photos for this site. Please join us on Facebook for up to date news and to submit your views of the village too.

Everyone’s actions have helped to reduce the transmission of coronavirus in our communities. As the UK moves to the next phase in our fight against coronavirus, the most important thing we can do is to stay alert, control the virus, and in doing so, save lives.

This guidance applies in England – people in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland should follow the specific rules in those parts of the UK.

The government has set out its plan to return life to as near normal as we can, for as many people as we can, as quickly and fairly as possible in order to safeguard livelihoods, but in a way that is safe and continues to protect our NHS.

As part of this plan:

People and employers should stay safe in public spaces and workplaces by following “COVID-19 secure” guidelines. This should enable more people to go back to work, where they cannot work from home, and encourage more vulnerable children and the children of critical workers to go to school or childcare as already permitted
You should stay safe when you leave home: washing your hands regularly, maintaining social distancing, and ensuring you do not gather in groups of more than two, except with members of your household or for other specific exceptions set out in law

You must continue to stay home except for a limited set of reasons but - in line with scientific advice - can take part in more outdoor activities from Wednesday 13 May

The government has set out a roadmap for lifting further restrictions and opening more businesses and venues, but this plan is dependent on successfully controlling the spread of the virus. If the evidence shows sufficient progress is not being made in controlling the virus, then the lifting of restrictions may have to be delayed. If, after lifting restrictions, the government sees a concerning rise in the infection rate, then it may have to re-impose some restrictions in as targeted a way as possible.

This guidance explains the measures that will help you to stay safe as we continue to respond to the challenges of coronavirus. Key parts of these measures are underpinned by law, which sets out clearly what you must and must not do – every person in the country must continue to comply with this. The relevant authorities, including the police, have the powers to enforce the law – including through fines and dispersing gatherings.

Some of the changes being made to the regulations will not take effect until Wednesday 13 May – where relevant, this is flagged in this guidance. Until that time, you should not: exercise with people from other households, spend time outdoors for recreation, use a sports court, or move home unless reasonably necessary.

1. Protecting different groups of people
This guidance is for the general public who are fit and well. There is separate, specific guidance on isolation for households with a possible coronavirus infection.

Some people, including those aged 70 and over, those with specific chronic pre-existing conditions and pregnant women, are clinically vulnerable, meaning they are at higher risk of severe illness from coronavirus’. As we begin to ease restrictions, this group who are clinically vulnerable – see section 8 – should continue to take particular care to minimise contact with others outside their household.

There is a further group of people who are defined, also on medical grounds, as clinically extremely vulnerable to coronavirus – that is, people with specific serious health conditions. They are advised to continue shielding measures to keep themselves safe by staying at home and avoiding all contact with others, except for essential medical treatment or support.

2. Staying at home
It is still very important that people stay home unless necessary to go out for specific reasons set out in law. These include:

• for work, where you cannot work from home
• going to shops that are permitted to be open – to get things like food and medicine, and to collect goods ordered online or on the phone
• to exercise or, from Wednesday 13 May, spend time outdoors for recreation
• any medical need, to donate blood, avoid injury or illness, escape risk of harm, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person
• Where parents or someone with parental responsibility do not live in the same household, children under 18 can be moved between their parents’ homes to continue existing arrangements for access and contact.
• The government has also identified a number of critical workers whose children can still go to school or their childcare provider. This critical worker definition does not affect whether or not you can travel to work - if you are not a critical worker, you may still travel to work if you cannot work from home. However, if you, or a member of your household are unwell with symptoms of coronavirus, you should isolate and should not travel to or attend the workplace.
• Critical workers and parents or guardians of vulnerable children may leave their home to take children to and from school or their childcare provider.
• You can also attend the funeral of a close family member or member of your household (or, of a friend, if no one from their close family or household is attending). Religious ministers or leaders can leave their homes to go to their place of worship, but these should remain closed to the public
• You may also leave or be outside of your home in order to access other critical public services, such as social services, support provided to victims, services provided by the Department for Work and Pensions, to fulfil a legal obligation, or to move home in line with the government’s guidance.

A fuller list of the reasons you can leave home is set out in the regulations.

When you do need to go out, you should follow the guidelines on staying safe outside your home. Most importantly, this includes the key advice that you should stay two metres apart from anyone outside of your household. Face coverings can help us protect each other and reduce the spread of the disease if you are in an enclosed space where social distancing isn’t possible and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet. This is most relevant for short periods indoors in crowded areas, for example on public transport or in some shops

.

It is still not permitted to leave your house to visit friends and family in their home. The government is looking at how to facilitate greater contact with close family or friends, and will explain how this can be done safely in the coming weeks.

By following this guidance, you are helping to protect yourself, your family, the NHS and your community.

Further guidance on the mental health and wellbeing aspects of coronavirus (COVID-19) has been issued.

3. Businesses and venues
For the time being, certain businesses and venues are required by law to stay closed to the public. These include:

• restaurants and cafes, other than for takeaway
• pubs, cinemas, theatres and nightclubs
• clothing and electronics stores; hair, beauty and nail salons; and outdoor and indoor markets (not selling food)
• libraries, community centres, and youth centres
• indoor and outdoor leisure facilities such as bowling alleys, gyms, arcades and soft play facilities
• some communal places within parks, such as playgrounds and outdoor gyms
• places of worship (except for funerals)
• hotels, hostels, bed and breakfasts, campsites, caravan parks, and boarding houses for commercial/leisure use, excluding use by those who live in them permanently, those who are unable to return home and critical workers where they need to for work

Food retailers and food markets, hardware stores, garden centres (from Wednesday 13 May) and certain other retailers can remain open. Other businesses can remain open and their employees can travel to work, where they cannot work from home.

From Wednesday 13 May, the government will also allow outdoor sports facilities – such as tennis and basketball courts, golf courses and bowling greens – to open, but you should only use these alone, with members of your household, or with one other person from outside your household, while keeping two metres apart at all times.

4. Visiting public places
You can exercise outside as often as you wish and from Wednesday 13 May, you can also sit and rest outside – exercise or recreation can be alone, with members of your household, or with one other person from outside your household, while keeping two metres apart at all times.

From Wednesday 13 May, you may drive to outdoor publicly accessible open spaces irrespective of distance, but should follow social distancing guidance whilst you are there. You should plan ahead to ensure that, where you are visiting places like National Parks, you have checked that they are open and appropriately prepared for visitors. You should not go to ticketed outdoor leisure venues, where there is a higher risk of close contact and touching surfaces.

When travelling to outdoor spaces, it is important that people respect the rules in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and do not travel to different parts of the UK where their intended activities there would be prohibited by legislation passed by the relevant devolved administration.

5. Public gatherings
To ensure people are social distancing, the government has prohibited by law all public gatherings of more than two people, except for reasons set out in the regulations. These include:

• where the gathering is of a group of people who live together in the same household – this means that a parent can, for example, take their children to the shops, although you are advised to do so only if there is no option to leave them at home
• where the gathering is essential for work purposes – but workers should try to minimise all meetings and other gatherings in the workplace

It is important that everyone continues to act responsibly in public places, as the large majority have done to date. The infection rate will increase if people begin to break the rules.

6. Going to work
You should travel to work, including to provide voluntary or charitable services, where you cannot work from home and your workplace is open.

With the exception of the organisations covered above in the section on closing businesses and venues, the government has not required any other businesses to close to the public – it is important for business to carry on.

All workers who cannot work from home should travel to work if their workplace is open. Sectors of the economy that are allowed to be open should be open – such as food production, construction, manufacturing, logistics, distribution and scientific research. As soon as practicable, workplaces should be set up to meet the new COVID-19 secure guidelines. These will keep you as safe as possible, whilst allowing as many people as possible to resume their livelihoods. In particular, workplaces should, where possible, ensure employees can maintain a two-metre distance from others, and wash their hands regularly.

At all times, workers should follow the guidance on self-isolation if they or anyone in their household shows coronavirus symptoms. You should not go into work if you are showing symptoms, or if you or any of your household are self-isolating. This is consistent with advice from the Chief Medical Officer.

There is specific guidance in relation to work carried out in people’s homes – for example by tradespeople carrying out repairs and maintenance, cleaners, or those providing paid-for childcare in a child’s home.

7. Enforcing the law
The police and local authorities have the powers to enforce the requirements set out in law if people do not comply with them. The police will act with discretion and common sense in applying these measures, but if you breach the law, they may instruct you to go home or leave an area, or arrest you where they believe it necessary. They may also instruct you to take steps to stop your children breaking these legal requirements if they have already done so.

From Wednesday 13 May, the government is introducing higher fines for those who do not comply, to reflect the increased risk to others of breaking the rules as we begin to ease the restrictions, and people return to work. Once these new limits are in place, if the police believe that you have broken the law – or if you refuse to follow their instructions enforcing the law – a police officer may issue you with a fixed penalty notice for £100 (reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days). If you have already received a fixed penalty notice, the amount will increase to £200 and double on each further repeat offence, up to a maximum of £3200. Until Wednesday 13 May, the fixed penalty notice is £60, reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days. If you have already received a fixed penalty notice, the amount will increase to £120 and double on each further repeat offence, up to a maximum of £960.

Similarly, a business or venue operating in contravention of the law will be committing an offence. Local authorities (for example, Environmental Health and Trading Standards officers) will monitor compliance, with support from the police if appropriate. Businesses and venues that breach the law will be subject to prohibition notices and fixed penalty notices. Businesses that continue to contravene the law will be forced to close down.

For both individuals and companies, if you do not pay, you may also be taken to court, with magistrates able to impose potentially unlimited fines.

8. Clinically vulnerable people
If you have any of the following health conditions, you are clinically vulnerable, meaning you are at higher risk of severe illness from coronavirus. You are advised to stay at home as much as possible and, if you do go out, take particular care to minimise contact with others outside your household.

Clinically vulnerable people are those who are:

• aged 70 or older (regardless of medical conditions)
• under 70 with an underlying health condition listed below (that is, anyone instructed to get a flu jab as an adult each year on medical grounds):
• chronic (long-term) mild to moderate respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis
• chronic heart disease, such as heart failure
• chronic kidney disease
• chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis
• chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), or cerebral palsy
• diabetes
• a weakened immune system as the result of certain conditions, treatments like chemotherapy, or medicines such as steroid tablets
• being seriously overweight (a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above)
• pregnant women

As above, there is a further category of people with serious underlying health conditions who are clinically extremely vulnerable, meaning they are at very high risk of severe illness from coronavirus. You, your family and carers should be aware of the guidance on shielding which provides information on how to protect yourself still further should you wish to.

9. Communicating with the public
The government will continue to keep the public informed of the impacts of coronavirus on the UK, and the law and guidance that is in place to protect the public.

The measures set out will be kept under constant review, and formally revisited at the end of May. They will be relaxed if the scientific evidence shows that this is possible. If people begin to act recklessly, which could impact on the transmission of coronavirus in our communities, further restrictions will have to be implemented again.

Helping Neighours in Littlebourne

The Emergency Planning Team of the Parish Council are organising a volunteer scheme in the village to assist the elderly and vulnerable through these extraordinary circumstances.

Can You Help?

Can you spare time to shop for a neighbour or telephone them regularly to check on them? No matter how you can help – please call and we can put you in touch with a neighbour you can help

Do You Need Help?

Are you an elderly or vulnerable person in the village? We hope to have volunteers to help you, but we need to know who you are.

Please call and let us know what assistance you may need – whether that is shopping, collecting medicines or even an occasional telephone call for example, and hopefully we might be able to help.

Who to call

Leave a message on the Council Offices answer-machine with your name, address and contact number and whether you want to volunteer (and details of the time you can spare) or whether you need assistance.

Parish Council Office - 01227 721500

or call Cllr Mick Giles, Co-ordinator of LPC Emergency Plan on 01227 728228

Cllr Ken Shaw on 01227 721560, Cllr Cate Reid on 01227 721831

The City Council's scheme to assist those needing help. Do you need extra help at the moment? This could be with:

• food shopping
• collecting regular prescriptions
• or a friendly phone call to keep in touch with the outside world

You can also contact our helpline on 01227 868 598. Lines are open seven days a week between 9am and 5pm.

We're working through requests for help as quickly as possible. It will take us a minimum of 24 hours to get back to you.

The Kent Together is a single convenient point of contact for anyone in Kent, operated by Kent County Council who is in urgent need of help during the coronavirus outbreak. 

www.kent.gov.uk/kenttogether   

03000 41 92 92 

Don’t hesitate to contact them, whatever your problem, whether or not you  think it urgent or not. They will always be happy help as they can, or signpost people to other sources of help. 

Free, safe and anonymous online support for young people in Kent 

A mental health and wellbeing online platform for young people has been extended for all young people across Kent.

As part of the Headstart Kent Programme, the Kooth digital mental health support service has already given one in five young people, aged 10 to16, easy access to an online community of peers and a team of experienced counsellors. 
The service is free and can be accessed at www.kooth.com. It’s a place to get advice, information and support 24/7. You can chat to a friendly qualified counsellor Monday to Friday between 12pm and 10pm and Saturday and Sunday between 6pm and 10pm. 

Kent County Council’s Director of Integrated Children’s Services, Stuart Collins, said: “In these unprecedented times it is important for all of us that we continue to focus on the emotional health and well-being of children. I am happy to be able to support the increase in access to safe online support through developing the Kooth offer across Kent in this way.”   

The NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group’s Senior Commissioner for Children and Young People’s Services, Sue Mullin, said: “We are pleased to be working with KCC colleagues to support the extension of Kooth. We know that Kooth offers children and young people across Kent a confidential service whether it’s accessing articles, joining forums or accessing scheduled times with a counsellor. The feedback from our children and young people has been very positive, and we are pleased that we are now able to provide the opportunity to access Kooth to more children and young people and truly see the impact of jointly commissioning this service.”

The service is funded by Headstart Kent on behalf of the National Lottery Community Fund, NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group and Kent County Council’s Public Health Grant.

Young people in Kent can also continue to access advice, information and support by:
• Accessing www.moodspark.org.uk or www.kentresiliencehub.org.uk to learn about mental health and find tips and resources to keep emotionally healthy 
• Texting ChatHealth for support around physical and mental health on 07520 618850. The number is monitored Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
• Completing a form for the Children and Young People’s Counselling Service at www.kentcht.nhs.uk/forms/school-health-service-referral-form
• Calling the Single Point of Access (SPA) on 0300 123 4496 if you are not sure what help is needed.
• Accessing the Big White Wall if aged 16+ for anonymous support through https://www.bigwhitewall.com/ 

There’s one each day for
Sunday 17th, Monday 18th, Tuesday 19th, Wednesday 20th & Thursday 21st May,
celebrating key dates in the church’s calendar:
Rogation Sunday, Rogationtide and Ascension Day.

Their theme is giving thanks for all the crops that grow and livestock reared in the fields 
and farms around us, giving thanks to God in nature –
ALL ILLUSTRATED WITH SPECIALLY COMMISSIONED PHOTOGRAPHS AND VIDEOS
FROM OUR LOCAL FARMERS ETC.

These short acts of Worship are offered for all of us, all who make up these precious communities, whether you come to church or not, and we hope that you will join us.

There’s an online text version (which you’ll need for the magnificent photos), 
and a YouTube video.
In fact, we’re producing such services almost every day during lock-down, 
when our churches must be closed – but these five are particularly special.   

They are sent directly to those on our “Virtual Church” email list, 
which already has about 75 recipients. We’ll be glad to add you to that list. 
If you would like to join it, please send an email to Nick Henwood (nhenwood77@gmail.com) 
who would also be delighted to hear about other groups which might be included.
 
You’ll also find them uploaded each day on our website (www.littlebournebenefice.org.uk).

We want to share these services as widely as possible – 
do pass them on to friends, neighbours – 
anyone who might be interested.

Gillean Craig
Interim Priest-in-Charge of Littlebourne, Wickhambreaux, Stodmarsh and Ickham, 
and Associate Priest of Wingham

The following is a letter received from Jenner by LPC on 28th April 2020

Dear Resident, 

Following our decision to temporarily close our main office and all live construction sites within the Jenner business on Wednesday 25th March to safeguard all staff and business stakeholders for whom we have an absolute duty of care, we are now in a position to recommence construction activities and write to inform you that we expect to do so on Monday 4th May 2020. 

As the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic has escalated at an alarming pace over recent weeks, the Directors of Jenner have done everything within our power to those we are responsible for keeping safe and well whilst playing our part in reducing the further spread of infection. Ceasing construction activity was never an easy decision, particularly as this was contrary to advice at government level to continue our operations due to the importance of construction to society and the economy, but we remain resolute in our decision and know unequivocally this was the correct course of action to take at that time. 

Over the past few weeks since our temporary closure, the team at Jenner have utilised our time effectively to ensure we have necessary policies, procedures and guidelines to facilitate a safe return to construction activity. 

Every site has been thoroughly and individually assessed in terms of safety implications (to ensure social distancing can be adhered to), supply-chain availability and social priority. Each site will return to operation in a phased manner to allow time for everyone to become accustomed to our new ways of working that have been put in place following our adoption of the essential guidance from the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) and our own professional safety advisors recommendations. Revised procedures will be enforced throughout all our sub-contract and supply chain partnerships with a zero-tolerance approach to non-conformance. Clear instructions and signage will be displayed and all personnel returning to site will be fully re-inducted to ensure their own safety and that of their colleagues. 

As a local resident we understand you may naturally have some concerns about the welfare of those returning to work on our behalf, and would like to assure you that the safety of all is of the utmost importance and at the forefront of our thinking. If you would like to know more about the policies and procedures we have adopted these can be found within the specific ‘COVID-19 section of our website www.jenner-group.co.uk/COVID-19 and if you have any further questions or queries you would like to raise please do email us: communications@jenner-group.co.uk and we will endeavour to respond as soon as possible. 

On behalf of all the team at Jenner we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your ongoing understanding, patience and support throughout these challenging times and we hope this will continue as we now move forwards.

Please do continue to stay safe and well. 

Sent on Behalf of Jenner (Contractors) Ltd

Green Waste collections 

Have now resumed, however from 6th July 2020 you will need to pay for garden waste collections. The last free collection will be the end of June (depending on which week your collection is).

Details of cost and how to arrange this are found in the below PDF document -  Garden Waste Charges

Bin handling

A polite reminder to all residents when handling your wheelie bins please remember to wash your hands throughly to avoid the spread of Covid 19. These handles have been touched by the dustmen (with or without gloves ) that have handled every bin in your road!

From Friday 15th May 2020, Kent County Council’s Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) will open to the public for essential use.

On Wednesday, May 13, people will be able to book a slot to use one of the county’s 18 HWRCs which closed on March 23 as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown.
People can book a slot either online or by phone for the opening on Friday, May 15 - details on how to book will be released next week.

KCC Cabinet Member for Environment Susan Carey said: “I know how valued our waste and recycling sites are to the people of Kent and I am immeasurably proud of the work our waste team has put in to getting these sites reopened.
“The booking system, which was developed by Medway Council, is crucial to ensure we can keep visitor numbers at a level where social distancing can be maintained and minimise queuing.
“Our focus over the last few weeks has been in ensuring kerbside collections provided by district and borough councils continued, and our teams were redeployed to support those crews.
“Kerbside collections across Kent are now all, or about to be, fully reinstated by the districts and boroughs, including garden waste services.” 

The sites will be open to the public between 9am and 3pm to allow for enhanced cleaning.
Most sites will be open seven days a week and will accept all types of waste including chargeable items.
Susan added: “Government advice is that residents should continue temporarily storing their waste at home, if they can do so in a way that doesn’t pose a risk to their health.
“If, however, waste and recycling cannot be stored at home without causing risk of injury, health or harm, please book a trip to your local HWRC.” 

Residents can only book one trip in any four-week period to allow all residents to have access to sites and must follow social distancing guidelines.

Social distancing proved impossible to maintain prior to closure as visitor numbers topped 800 visits a day.
KCC operates 18 HWRCs, providing facilities for the recycling and disposal of more than 30 different types of waste.

Booking
• Visitors to the site will be limited to help us manage social distancing. The number of bookings for each site will vary depending on the size of each site.
• You can only access the sites by booking an appointment. The quickest way to book is online.
• You can only book one trip in any four-week period. This is to enable all residents to. have fair access to our sites. 
• If you want to drive a restricted vehicle to a Kent council site you’ll still need to apply for a vehicle voucher. https://www.kent.gov.uk/waste-planning-and-land/rubbish-and-recycling/vehicle-restrictions-and-vouchers Restricted vehicles are not allowed to tow a trailer. (If I can find a way to do it, this will only be shown on the terms and conditions page if users select a Kent site)
• Bookings will only be accepted from residents in Kent/Medway.
• You should not try to book a visit if you have symptoms of Covid-19, if you are part of a household undertaking 14-day isolation or if you someone who is in the shielded category.
 
Arriving at the site
• If you booked online you must bring your proof of booking email, either a printed copy or displayed on your phone. If you booked over the phone, bring the booking reference number we gave you when you made your booking. To reduce infection risk your car windows should remain closed when showing proof to staff.
• You must attend the site within your booking slot. If you miss your slot, you may not be allowed to use the site. We suggest you stagger your entry times within your booked slot, as we are expecting a high demand for the service.
 
Social distancing and safety
• You will need to observe the social distancing measures when visiting the sites. Site staff will not be able to offer their usual assistance to help unload and dispose of waste.
• A maximum of two people can leave each vehicle to dispose of bulky items without site staff help. However, if you do not have bulky items to dispose of, only one person can leave the vehicle to dispose of waste.
• Traffic management will be in place at all sites. Some sites may also block off every other parking bay so that customers and staff can keep to social distancing guidelines. Site staff will direct you. 
• You will not be allowed onto the compactor platforms when a member of staff is operating the machines.
• You will need to follow site guidance, and this may include wearing gloves and masks. If you wear either gloves or masks, you’ll need to take them home for disposal to avoid the risk of cross contamination.
• We ask that visitors to the HWRCs are patient as we all get used to this new way of using the sites. The restrictions are in place for everyone’s protection. If you do not follow site rules you may be asked to leave the site. Security will be in place at the sites. Please be aware that site security includes Automatic Number Plate Recognition, CCTV and body-worn cameras.
• The site may need to close temporarily for cleaning with no warning. 
• If you need to dispose of waste contaminated with coronavirus this should be carried out at kerbside. If this is not possible then you need to double bag the material and store this securely for 72 hours before bringing it to the site.

Following Government Legislation announced on 23rd March we have closed the childrens playground and adult gym equipment on Littlebourne Recreation Ground. We will re open it as soon as recomended safe to do so. The Youth shelter is also closed to avoid people congregating there.

Thank you for your co-operation

The June LPC meeting will go ahead on Wednesday 3rd June but it will be held remotely via Zoom. To join this meeting please contact the Clerk that week for a meeting link.

It has now been agreed that our Statutory Annual May meeting will be cancelled, the 2020 Regulations have removed the requirement for us to hold this meeting. The current Chairman Peter Farrow and Vice Chairman Mick Giles will both remain in place until an Annual Meeting is held.

Following Government advice we have cancelled our April meeting which was due to take place on 1st April. We will assess each meeting on a month by month basis going forward.

In view of concerns over coronavirus infection risks and likely very low attendance, the Littlebourne Parish Council has postponed the Annual Parish Meeting which was scheduled for Wednesday 18th March.  It will be rescheduled to a time later this year and as soon as the situation reasonably allows.   If residents have questions or requests of Littlebourne Parish Council, which will continue its function as close to normal as possible during this epidemic, please contact the Clerk (01227 721500) or any of the individual parish councillors.  

 Peter Farrow, Chairman Littlebourne Parish Council

During this period the Parish Office will not be open as usual (it will be some days). The Clerk will be partially working from home and will be covering the office when necessary. Please email clerk@littlebournepc.org or leave a message on the answerphone 01227 721500 (messages will be checked very couple of days)

Cllrs can be contacted as usual via telephone and email as per contact details on Council page.

Flood Alert in force: Groundwater flooding in East Kent. 

Flooding is possible for: Areas at risk from Groundwater flooding including the Petham Bourne, Alkham bourne and Nailbourne including Elham, Barham, Bishopsbourne, Bridge, Patrixbourne and Bekesbourne.    

Be prepared.

Groundwater levels in East Kent have been rising throughout the winter following higher than average rainfall. Since mid-February, levels increased rapidly in response to rainfall received during Storms Ciara, Dennis and heavy rainfall on the 5th March. Properties in and around the Nailbourne Valley, Alkham and Petham may soon experience flooding from groundwater. However, due to the nature of groundwater flooding, other properties across East Kent may also experience flooding. Further rainfall could cause groundwater levels to rise further increasing the flood risk. The Environment Agency is monitoring the situation and will update this message by Tuesday 17th March, or sooner if the situation changes. 

To check the latest information for your area
-------------------------------------------------------

* Visit the GOV.UK website to see the current flood warnings, view river and sea levels or check the 5-day flood risk forecast: https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/target-area/064FAG99Eastkent

* Or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 using quickdial code: 217000 .

* Follow @EnvAgency and #floodaware on Twitter.

* Tune into weather, news and travel bulletins on local television and radio.


What you should consider doing now
---------------------------------------------

* Monitor local water levels and weather conditions.  

* Get ready to act on your flood plan if you have one.

* Move your car or other vehicles to higher ground, if it is safe to do so.

* Prepare a flood kit of essential items including a torch with spare batteries, mobile phone and charger, warm clothes, home insurance documents, water, food, first aid kit and any prescription medicines or baby care items you may need.

* Check that you know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water mains supplies.

* In rural locations, farmers should consider moving livestock and equipment away from areas likely to flood.

* Avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water. 30 cm of fast-flowing water can move a car and 6 inches can knock an adult off their feet.

* Flood water is dangerous and may be polluted. Wash your hands thoroughly if you've been in contact with it.

 

A lifeline alarm, which can be fashionably worn on your wrist or as a pendant is a service provided in East Kent by Canterbury City Council's CCTV control room, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. Having a lifeline alarm would help you or a family member feel safe and independent in the home.

To book your free demonstration or to make an enquiry please call 01227 862540 or visit www.lifeline.canterbury.gov.uk 

Dog Fouling seems to be on the increase in the village. Most dog owners are responsible and clean up after their dogs however there seems to be small minority that just leave it on the pavements and the Recreation ground. This then ends up on shoes and pushchair wheels and is very unpleaesant, never mind a health hazard.

 It is very hard to catch people not clearing up after their dog, but if you do see someone you can report them through the City Councils website.

The current Layout PLan and indicative landscaping plan can been seen by clicking on the below documents.