Ask the Leader a Question

"I am committed to staying in touch with the views of local people and visitors and I am hoping that this new facility will enable me to do just that. I look forward to receiving your views.

DATE

QUESTION

NAME & REFERENCE

Q33. Do you consider the half a million pounds spent on the consultation process and architectural impressions for Sittingbourne town centre regeneration represents good value for money ? In addition, I understand that the plan is for some 15 to 20 years hence, so are the findings of the consultation at all relevant?

See Answer

Mr H. of Sittingbourne

Ref: 10454840

Q32. My address is XXXXXX (Blanked),  I want to know that my house is in the correct council tax band and that I am not paying too much?

See Answer

Miss H. of Sittingbourne

Ref: 10301757

Q31. How can you justify the increases in your allowances, cut our sevices, and increase the council tax, when the country is in such a state 5% increase in allowances,why don't you resign and give the people a chance to show how much the money grabbing councillors are liked?

See Answer

Mr S. of Teynham

Ref: 10332941

Q30. Can you explain the conservative policy on the new equalities bill that for the first time puts white males at a disadvantage when applying for work? Can you also advise why the conservative party supported the bill?

See Answer

Mr S. of Teynham

Ref: 10324339

Q29. Does the new equalities bill apply to the councils housing policy from July?

Mr S. of Teynham

Ref: 10324428

02 Dec 2009

Q28. I was surprised to read an article in 'Kent Messenger Extra' (20/11/09) regarding the role of the interim director of regeneration for Swale that apart from his obvious task he also has additional responsibilities for waste collection, parks, swimming pools and leisure. Does the leader of the council believe that this gives an appropriate message to the people of Swale regarding the council's commitment towards regeneration?

See Answer

Ref: 10271371

04 Nov 2009

Q27. Can the leader explain whether the additional 50.00 landfill tax will be added to the prospective increase of 5% next year or can he now confirm that we will have to pay extra to the KCC, because of the 50 million of public funds lost.

See Answer

Ref: 10244455

18 Oct 2009

Q26. Can you please tell me why, the litter in and around Iwade is not cleared ? The road between Iwade and Bobbing is the worst that I have seen in Kent. The village arranges a Village Clear up day, as the council neglect their duty. I sweep my road as I have in the last 5 years never seen a cleaner. A bag of rubbish was dumped near the medical centre in Iwade for 2 months before a neighbour cleared it. Swale Council, is without doubt the worst council in Kent. I travel all over the county for my work and Swale is by far the worst for litter. Can you explain what I pay my council tax for. PLEASE DO WHAT THE COUNCIL IS PAID TO DO. Iwade has a population of WORKING people that spend money in the borough and pay their council tax in full. This village is being neglected by the Council.

See Answer

Ref: 10229790

17 Oct 2009

Q25. We are working on a school project and we need some information on any future plans for the Isle of Sheppey's industry and housing.

See Answer

Ref: 10237383

16 Oct 2009

Q24. Can you please explain the complete lack of co-ordination and common sense with regard to the so called regeneration plan for Milton Creek. Having stupidly allowed the building of a low level non lifting bridge over the creek because supposedly "no one wants to visit it", you now plan to make it more attractive!! I typical left and right hands approach. I cannot believe that the council allowed the inspectors report on the bridge issue and future of the creek to be acceptable when they have this plan in mind! Any other sensible council/Town would give a lot to have a navigable recreational waterway up to it. The comments made about the cost of the bridge were made by biased and uninformed people. Someone should have talked to the Dutch about effective and cheap bridges over roads (they even have automatic ones on very major roads).

See Answer

Ref: 10234093

15 Oct 2009

Q23. I have been asked to appear on the BBCs Question Time along with guests and politicians and to submit a question. Can you tell me how much Council Tax is collected, business and residential from the Isle of Sheppey? Also how many people are employed by Swale Borough Council? Thank you.

See Answer

Ref: 10234515

14 Oct 2009

Q22. I am aware of the housing problems in Swale, and can you explain how many of the extra houses in Rushenden will be for social housing, and will the Conservatives ensure that local people are housed first.

See Answer

Ref: 10229148

30 Sept 2009

Q21. I would just like a simple answer to a simple question. I along with many other residents of Minster Park have asked several times, exactly what is the status of MINSTER PARK, is it a holiday park or a residential park? The last answer I was given is that, in the eyes of the council, it is a residential park. Could you confirm this? Thanking you.

See Answer

Ref: 10224403

29 Sept 2009

Q20. I am a private owner on an Estate, I have had a great deal of problems with a Swale Housing tenant that lives next door to me. I feel that I have not been supported by Swale Housing and despite contacting them several times they do not seem willing or bothered to deal with the anti-social behaviour that I have had to put up with, they said they would keep me informed of progress and would deal with these issues but I have never received any communication and the tenant has continued causing problems. Also generally the whole Estate is in a poor state, rubbish being dumped, general litter, youths hanging in gangs and causing trouble. I have spoken several times to our local C.S.O but he said he is limited in what he can do.

I feel really frustrated as I cannot sell my property due to this problem neighbour and the reputation of the Estate and feel that NOTHING is being dealt with by the Housing Association, Council and Police. Can you please assist or advise?

See Answer

Ref: 10222191

25 Sept 2009

Q19. I understand that the development of Further Education in Sittingbourne is now unlikely to take place. I should be grateful to know why this desperately needed facility for Swale is unlikely to become a reality and what impact this will have on supporting the desire to attract high tech industry to the area?

See Answer

Ref: 10224412

22 Sept 2009

Q18. With the new equalities bill going through Parliament and the provisions in the bill that deny access to certain positions to white male applicants, will Swale council and the conservatives ignore this part of the bill and ensure that all sections of the community are treated the same?

See Answer

Ref: 10221343

07 Sept 2009

Q17. I drove pass the council offices on the morning of the 20 August (Thursday) at approximately 9-15 and on the pavement there was parked the van belonging to the people who empty the cash boxes from your ticket machines; he had crossed the double yellow lines to park on the pavement all four wheels. So my question is, was this van issued a penalty charge notice or is this reserved only for the public to make money for the council. Your reply will be interesting...

See Answer

Ref: 10200780

14 Aug 2009

Q16. The Leader and the council have received a number of questions recently regarding the issue of odours in the Swale area. What have we been doing about the odours?

See Answer

12 Aug 2009

Q15. I have heard that the subject of parking with wheels on the pavement is back on the agenda. In my road the pavements are 10ft wide, the road is 20ft. My car is 8ft including non retractable wing mirrors. If I park with my wheels next to the kerb that means a reduction of 7ft on my side of the road, double that it equates to a useable road of 6ft meaning that if I and the people down my road work longer than those at the "mouth end" then there will be approximately 80 vehicles that need parking spaces, also I received this information the same day I received a flyer from Kent fire and rescue regarding access for their vehicles because children might die. Please explain how you want me to park. Also if I have a day off on bin day and I am parked legally, how can people get their bins emptied. I drive a lorry for a living and I am impressed by the bin man's reversing skills, but he is not that good.

See Answer

Ref: 10179255

5 Aug 2009

Q14. The smell from the local farms is disgusting and has made my partner ill. It is unhealthy and anti social, when will it stop and can you stop it?

See Answer

Ref: 10187129

3 Aug 2009

Q13. Swale council wants to withdraw funding from the Hop festival. The council want to transfer the management of the festival entirely to a private company and give it no funding whatsoever by 2012. As something that's very important for the town would you support this or not?. The town is dying year by year through lack of investment, this is the one time of year the locals can come together. What are your views?

See Answer

Ref: 10171863

13 July 2009

Q12. In one of the few positive articles I have read about Sittingbourne and surrounding villages ('Mid Kent Living' summer 09) it states that the redevelopment of the town centre will take place over the next 10 to 20 years. Is this correct?

See Answer

Ref: 10173880

12 July 2009

Q11. Who decides the rate of council tax for holiday chalets? I believe that Minster Parks band is set to high and what can I do to have it looked into?

See Answer

Ref: 10172831

12 June 2009

Q10. I understand it is an offence, punishable by a fine of up to £500, to park a motor vehicle on any verge or road margin within the Borough-irrespective of whether there are or are not any restrictions in force under the Road Traffic Act. (By-Law 235). Whilst I wholeheartedly agree with this I am concerned that little (or no!?) publicity has been given to this issue. In view of the fact that the road Wardens, correctly, are enforcing this By Law do you not believe that all residents should be better informed of this issue?

See Answer

Ref: 10147153

01 June 2009

Q9. Are there any trees with a preservation order in Samsons Hall, Norman Road, ME12 4EU

See Answer

Ref: 10138093

30 May 2009

Q8.There is a large infestation of Japanese Knotweed along the left side of the old road to Sheppey just near the Keycol Roundabout. It appears it is being cut with the verge and therefore inadvertently spread, contrary to national guidelines. Is the Council dealing with this notifiable weed, and if not how can we alert the appropriate department?

See Answer

Ref: 10134853

20 May 2009

Q7. Why is it so difficult to find the relevant web pages for applications to change the use of agricultural land? I wish to find out details of the proposal to turn the field at the top of Head Hill Road into a lorry park, but find the information impossible to find

See Answer

Ref: 10128722

14 May 2009

Q6. Could you help please on how we can raise the profile of the Isle of Sheppey as an Island? Funding of our leaflet is much appreciated, but there is a lot more that we need. Isle of Sheppey signs on key road and rail networks, heritage signs, Welcome to Sheppey signs and our postcode to include the Isle of Sheppey not just Sheerness as it is for the majority of the Island. Also who could help us in our quest to have the key roundabouts as you come onto the Island landscaped. I and several others have been trying for years without success. The Aviation celebrations this year and next years 50 years since the Dockyard closed will be raising the profile of Sheppey in the media and it is such a pity that we are not presenting potential visitors with signs, welcomes and positive images of this Island. Hope you can help.

See Answer

Ref: 10125163

22 April 2009

Q5. Can you advise why there was any increase in council tax, bearing in mind the current state of peoples income, and also as a member of KCC do you not feel that bearing in mind the Conservative administration has lost 50 million pounds of public money that a nil increase would have been more appropriate?

See Answer

Ref: 10102948

27 Mar 2009

Q4. What is the council going to do about the amount of empty shops at the eastern end of the High St? With the closure of Woolworths, Blundells, and a variety of the smaller shops, that end of town is looking very sad.

See Answer

Mrs H of Sittingbourne

06 Mar 2009

Q3. Why is learning and skills Swale's top priority?

See Answer

Anonymous

05 Mar 2009

Q2. Why is the business rate so high?

See Answer

Anonymous

03 Mar 2009

Q1. Why have you introduced this new Ask the Leader facility? 

See Answer

Anonymous