Ward coordinator: Bob Coupe
THE 452 BUS
A few weeks ago we were surprised to see a bus go down Chesterfield Drive in the middle of the day. Some years ago Liberal Democrats campaigned for the retention of the old S1 Circular bus. Apart from some morning and evening buses for commuters, the service was withdrawn from April 2004. We had not seen any publicity about its re-instatement and did not know when it ran. So we were very pleased when a neighbour kindly circulated the time-table locally. In case you have not seen the times, they are printed below.
Although the service is limited, it enables people, who do not have or prefer not to use a car, to go into Sevenoaks to shop. If you are old enough to have a bus pass, it is even more attractive!
Bus station 9.30 11.40 13.10
Rail station 9.35 11.45 13.15
Riverhead Tesco 9.40 11.50 13.20
Chesterfield Drive 9.43 11.53 13.23
Chipstead Square 9.46 11.56 13.26
Harvester 9.50 12.00 13.30
Rail station 9.53 12.03 13.33
Bus station 9.58 12.08 13.38
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PLANNING SYSTEM
The local planning system is being developed by the introduction of “residential character areas” extending over Riverhead and Chipstead. Once the character of an area has been defined, no developments should be allowed which would spoil that character.
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CHEVENING PARISH PLAN
You may have heard that work has started on a Parish Plan. Mick Ryan, chairman of the Steering Group, has provided an up-to-date report which is summarised here :
One of the main tasks is to produce a questionnaire to be delivered eventually to every home. From this we will draw up a Plan, designed by members of the community working together, which identifies a vision for the future.
The Parish Plan will be an expression of the hopes and fears of the whole community. Localism legislation at present being debated in Parliament aims to move power to communities so the views expressed in the Plan will have real value and influence.
It is important that we include in the questionnaire next January issues which concern all groups – the young, those in paid employment or working at home and the retired. During the summer we will call on one in every six houses and will ask what are important issues for you.
To ensure the widest possible input, the Steering Group would be happy to make short presentations to local groups. Your group may well be approached, but you can contact us now on the new Chevening website.
Please e-mail Mick Ryan if you would like to be added to our distribution list for future news.
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DELIVERY OF LIBERAL DEMOCRAT PLEDGES
Because Liberal Democrats are now participating in Government, many LibDem policies are being implemented. These include :
1. Increasing the income tax threshold by £1,000, so lifting 880,000 low earners out of tax.
2. Restoring the earnings link with state pensions and guaranteeing that pensions will rise by at least 2.5% every year.
3. Providing extra funding for the schools with children who most need it – the “Pupil Premium”.
4. Introducing a Green Investment Bank to help people make their property more energy efficient.
5. Setting legally binding targets to reduce substantially the United Kingdom’s carbon emissions.
6. Preventing the “like for like” replacement of Trident during the course of this Parliament.
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