Sarah Hehir: never give up!

Before we get snowed in for Christmas, I wanted to update you on some of the local issues.

Yesterday I spoke to Nick Turner again and was promised that he was visiting Borstal that day to get exact requirements for bus timetables outside St. Matthew's and Borstal Baptist Church. The snow was blamed for the delay. I will continue to be persistent! We deserve to have up to date timetables as part of the Arriva service.

Many of you have already signed the road safety petition. After Christmas, you will see copies in local shops and schools. I really appreciate your support on this issue. The more signatures we have, the more recognition we will get from the council. Some areas of Borstal and Rochester are desperately in need of crossings, speed control measures and visibility mirrors. Unless we make our voices heard, we are unlikely to have our demands met. 

The latest from Watt's Meadow and the planning department. Simon Fowler has promptly replied to emails regarding the gates, wall and access to the general public. It has now transpired that there is no guarantee of access being restored to pedestrians from Priestfields. More emails to ask for clarification on this point would be useful. Send to simon.fowler@medway.gov.uk

Mr. Fowler says,

'As you can see a pedestrian access is proposed into the site. At
the moment I cannot confirm whether the public access will be restored
but will let you know once I find out.'

We now have until 27th December to get in our objections or requests for clear information.

The snow is coming down again! Merry Christmas!

Sarah Hehir: Improving Road Safety in Rochester and Borstal

I believe a local councillor should visit our community groups and talk to local people. I may not have reached you all yet but the people I talk to at schools, toddler groups, WI and in the local shops, all express a common concern; road safety. Many have mentioned the high speed that cars drive down Priestfields, Borstal Road and Borstal Street. There are insufficient traffic calming measures coming into Borstal Village and no pedestrian crossing. The speed bumps stop at the start of the residential housing on Borstal Road and Priestfields Hill seems to act as an incentive to speed up.

Simple measures can be very effective.  A few well placed speed bumps, a zebra crossing and some high visibility traffic mirrors would make a major difference to the safety of our roads.  As a driver, I know traffic calming is a minor inconvenience but it is a small price to pay for improving our local environment, especially for children and the elderly. I would like to lead the fight for safer roads in our part of Medway!

Please support me and sign the petition. There will be copies at strategic points around Rochester West and I will update you as we go along. Alternatively email me and I will send blank copies of the petition as an attachment if you are prepared to collect a page of signatures. It will all help!