Editorial
Dear Member
It may appear to have been a very quiet year for the Association but in actual fact a great deal has been going on behind the scenes. I would like to thank the Committee for all their support and hard work during this year. As members will probably be aware there has been considerable controversy surrounding the spending of the money allocated by BT through its Forum. We have been lobbying the BT Forum committee to obtain funds for works within this area. As a result KCC highways have been allocated some money from this fund to carry out road traffic calming within the BPRA Area. More details at the AGM.
By now you should have received a letter from SDC setting out its proposals for changes to on street parking. This scheme is part of an overall SDC plan affecting all roads covering a radius of approximately 1½ miles around the railway station and town centre. SDC have asked the BPRA Chairman to help collate the views of its membership, therefore I urge all of those members who have not responded in writing to myself to attend the AGM in order to voice their opinions.
The results of the consultation exercise will be discussed at the next Parking Review committee meeting, of which I am a member along with 2 other local Residents' Association Chairmen. Elected members and Officers of SDC. This will be held after the AGM.
Finally I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support and look forward to seeing you at the AGM. The work goes on.
Christopher Beach
Chairman
Annual General Meeting
The AGM is on Thursday 7th December 2006 at the Town Council Chamber, Bradbourne Vale Road, 7.30 for 8 p.m. The main items for discussion are:
Sevenoaks District Council Parking Review
Traffic Calming Issues
A25 Improvements
Condition of Roads and Pavements
Local Amenities
Social Events 2007
If anyone has any other issues for discussion that they would like placed on the agenda please contact one of the committee or email the Chairman via one the e-mail link on this Web Site.
Jean West
Our treasurer, Jean West, has informed the committee of her intention to retire at the A.G.M.
Jean has given considerable service to this area through her work within this Association. She has been treasurer for the past 18 years; previously she was Chair for 5 years and Membership Secretary for 8 years. She has also served as a Road Steward and is responsible for organising the printing of this newsletter. Jean tells us that she has tried previously to retire, but this time she really means it!! The Committee members wish to thank Jean for all her hard work over the years and to express their gratitude for the support and guidance she has given. Thank you Jean, and Best Wishes from all of us.
Wanted
Committee Members
Road Stewards
In addition to Jean's retirement, our Membership Secretary, Julie Beach, is also stepping down. Several of our Road Stewards have also had to resign this year. If you can fill one of these posts please contact one of the Committee Members, or introduce yourself at the AGM. We need all the help we can get in order to keep this association going.
Reminders...
Householders
Please remember when employing contractors that you ensure vehicles are not parked on verges and pavements. Please make sure these vehicles are parked responsibly. We are very disappointed that newly laid pavements in the area have already been damaged. It is also important to note that utilities (water, electricity, gas) are all buried beneath the grass verges. Damage can occur if heavy vehicles are parked on the verges.
Trees and Shrubs
A number of residents have complained to us about the overhanging of shrubs and trees on pathways. Please can all members ensure that their boundaries adjacent to pathways are trimmed to allow pedestrians, wheelchairs and baby carriages free passage.
Contact List
As part of the “service to members” we feel that a list of primary contact numbers might be of help. Members are reminded that, whilst the Committee members are here to help, general problems such as street lights not working (or working when they should not!), dangerous pavements, or potholes in the road, should in the first instance be reported to the appropriate District Council department, and failing any response their local Councillor.
Name Position ' Address BPRA Officials · Chris Beach Chairman 452897 chris-b@bradbourne.org 21 Robyns Way · Julie Beach Membership Secretary julie-b@bradbourne.org 21 Robyns Way · Jean West Treasurer 27 Broomfield Road · Oliver Bretz Committee Member Bradbourne Farmhouse, Bradbourne Vale Road · John Brigden Committee Member and Councillor (District + Town) 463066 john-b@bradbourne.org 41 Robyns Way · Dawn Casali Committee Member 43 Robyns Way · Brian Hayward Committee Member 33 Broomfield Road · Angela Hughes Committee Member 37 Robyns Way · Ken Thacker Committee Member · Kevin Saggers Webmaster Councillors · John Gilbert Committee Member and Councillor (District + Town) 740617 · Mark Hudson Councillor (Town) 462290 Council Departments · Highways (incl. street lighting) 227326 highways@sevenoaks.gov.uk · Rubbish collections 01959 562936 direct.services-office@sevenoaks.gov.uk