Pembury

Pembury
		The Colts Hill Strategic Link is an ongoing issue for residents, and plans for a bypass have been on (and off) the drawing board for years. Kevin Lynes organised summit meetings between KCC network planning officers, and local parish councillors in 2002, followed by a well-attended public exhibition at Capel Community Centre. Strong representations from key village residents as well as County Councillors from abutting divisions, has meant the inclusion of the scheme in this year's County Council bid to the Department of Transport. Although funding was declined by Government for this year, KCC has funded a later continuation of the scheme.
In recent weeks, Pembury has seen a spate of crime and antisocial behaviour both in and around the village. The reasons for this are many and varied, but the problem had to be resolved before it became out of hand. Following calls from local residents and Borough Councillor Paul Barrington-King, Kevin Lynes contacted Chief Constable Michael Fuller, with a call for action. Operation Excalibur swung into action, and Kent Police provided a robust presence. Many of the problems have quietened down, and a roadshow in the village centre on 1st and 30th October will provide advice and support for concerned residents.
		On a lighter note, this year's Local Democracy Week initiative saw a visit to Pembury School by Kevin Lynes and Paul Barrington-King, who faced a barrage of questions from Years 5 and 6, followed by a meeting with staff, after which the two experienced "Circle Time", part of the citizenship curriculum, and finally a tour of the school to identify areas in which the County and Borough Councils could assist in maintaining and improving facilities. Pupils also handed over a stack of unanswered questions for later reply. Here, Kevin and Paul meet the newly-elected Pembury School Council.
For months, Pembury residents have complained bitterly at the lack of joined up working to resolve traffic issues in the village. Speeding, parking and road surfacing are all common issues. Early in the summer of 2004, Kevin Lynes convened the "Pembury Summit" - a high level meeting between Kent County Council, Pembury Parish Council Vice Chairman David Coleman, and senior Kent Highways officers. A five year vision was agreed, which would resolve the issues identified by villagers, and works began in the High Street, Lower Green Road, and Woodhill Park during the school holidays.

Majority attendance at Pembury Parish Council, and report to AGM public meeting every year Successfully campaigned for redesign of Pembury leg of Longfield Road roundabout on A21 NOF Public Access Computers launch at Pembury Library Engagement of HMP Blantyre House inmates to refurbish Pembury Youth Hut – Nov 2003 Representations against after-hours nuisance from pubs and takeaways in Hastings Rd, Pembury Woodsgate Corner red light running – campaign for traffic cameras resulting in significant works to A228 approach Regular updates with Head of Pembury CP School, Cath Thewlis Assisted in disposal of 73 Lower Green Road for Pembury CP School Kent Police Authority public meeting at Pembury Village Hall Berkeley Close Planning Enquiry – jointly with Borough Councillors Brought Kenward Trust “Grey Zebra” drug action project to Pembury for ten weeks in Summer/Autumn 2002 Initiated joint County/Borough surgery with Paul Barrington-King