Dear Residents,
The Sellindge Parish Council meeting took place this evening, 14th June. It appeared that all Parish Councillors were in attendance supported by a good contingency of local residents.
You won't be surprised to learn that Councillor Hollingsbee sent her apologies as she was otherwise engaged. A message left on the Parish Council answerphone by Councillor Carey stated that she wasn't attending. We assume that apologies were relayed.
As requested by residents, the Otterpool New Town was first up for debate. Residents asked for the PC's 'take' on the meeting which took place last Tuesday, 7th June. It seems that Chairman Bull wasn't impressed by the proceedings and admitted that the New Town was 'The wrong development in the wrong place' . Councillor Mary Stone mentioned that at that meeting, a vote took place by a Monks Horton Parish Councillor asking for a show of hands of Parish Councillors who supported the building of a New Town within our communities. No hands were raised. Clerk, Linda Hedley stated that the vote couldn't be recorded as it wasn't on the Agenda that evening. Nevertheless, disapproval to the New Town scheme was most apparent and recognised by Monk, Stewart and Priest.
It was now evident by discussions taking place during this evening that SDC and our elected representatives were totally disregarding the views of local residents. A debate then ensued between residents and Councillors to what action Sellindge PC were taking to alert the Department for Communities and Local Government as to the true feelings of the PC and residents. Sellindge PC agreed that they would write to Greg Clark at DCLG on the matter within the coming days. It was announced that Monks Horton Parish had already written, pulling no punches as to the dire situation here in terms of representation and communication between residents and our elected Councillors, MP, Damian Collins and SDC.
It was then that Mr. Colin Abbot, a local resident of Sellindge asked the Parish Council to call a meeting to include on the Agenda the following:
'That this Parish Council has no confidence in our Councillors, Hollingsbee and Carey in their response to the announcement by Shepway District Council of their plan to bid for a 'Garden' Town at the Otterpool Manor site and adjoining land of some seven Km2'. Moreover, both these Councillors should now consider their positions.
If you agree with Mr. Abbot why don't you call or text Chairman Stan Bull on 07710 260751 and and tell him why you have no confidence in both Councillors. On the other hand, you may disagree with Mr. Abbot and feel that support should be given to both Councillors It's your choice. It's your Council. You decide.
Chairman Stan Bull Councillor Susan Carey Councillor Jenny Hollingsbee
The meeting continued with a lengthy Cafe Lorry Park report being read by Clerk, Linda Hedley which seemed to be a melange of Sellindge PC and Airport Cafe's agent comments/responses which was somewhat confusing to the listener. However, the bottom line is that Lorries trundling through the village, mostly at speed and overweight is unacceptable, causing sleep deprivation to many residents on Barrow Hill and beyond. This is an issue which Sellindge PC has agreed to tackle in the near future.
S&DRA.
