Mike Sole Reporting Back: April 2026

A little bit later than usual, but here is my April 2026 update.

It was a pleasure to start the month off by being asked to officially open the new children’s play equipment in Bishopsbourne. The parish council worked hard on the project, and I was delighted to be able to assist with the funding using my KCC members grant.

I met with members of Canterbury National Farmers Union to discuss KCC and CCC issues, and after the meeting was able to provide an update on the Grove Ferry Bridge – in summary, when it is replaced it will be able to carry all road transport without the existing weight limit, but until funding is agreed there is currently no date for when work will be carried out.

At this time of year I look forward to attending the annual parish meetings of many of the sixteen parish councils in my KCC division. At the Ickham meeting and Bekesbourne with Patrixbourne I gave a presentation/talk on Local Government Reorganisation and what it might mean for the parishes. I look forward to giving the same presentation in Chartham in May. I also attended the annual parish meetings at Barham and Lower Hardres. I was good to talk to residents at all of these meetings and hear about local issues.

Once again, the issues around plots of public open space in St Augustines, Chartham, appearing on auction sites and being sold are a major concern. I continue to work with residents and the council to establish how these open spaces are enforced.

I arranged for KCC drainage engineers and the cabinet member for highways to visit the local area with me. We discussed drainage issues with Bridge parish council and also looked at other areas impacted when the Nailbourne flows, leading to road closures.

I attended a screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing at The University of Kent. This film, presented by Chris Packham highlights the very real challenges that climate change is having and how it is impacting our lives, and will continue to do so. If you get an opportunity to see it, I highly recommend it.

I attended a half day KCC seminar on Road Safety and Active Travel with several parish councils.

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