News from Hempstead and Wigmore Conservatives
Andrew Lawrence and Jim Gilbourne set out their Manifesto Pledges
Your conservative council candidates will work to improve the quality of life for all local residents
Following their selection as Prospective Council Candidates for the local elections on the 4th May 2023, Andrew and Jim have been setting out their manifesto for the Ward. Jim commented "Andrew and I have walked the ward delivering our first intouch since our selection and we are pleased that residents have raised just a few issues of concern.”
Jim continued “our own observations are that other than the condition of the roads, our green spaces are basically litter free, some work is needed to cut back trees on Sharsted Way which are hanging over the road and creating a hazard for high-sided vehicles.” Andrew added “Residents in Hempstead are very concerned about the volume of heavy lorries using the village. This is an urgent matter that we will tackle after May 2023.”
Andrew added “Jim and I want to talk local groups, including the Hempstead Residents Association, and explore how people in Wigmore and Hempstead can have their views heard. We want to be able to talk to residents through such local groups."
Andrew and Jim are committed to improving the quality of life for all residents by: -
- Continue to oppose housing development on farming land and other green spaces on the edges of the Ward.
- Push the Council to repair roads across the Ward.
- Create a community fund to pay for small improvements that benefit all residents. Andrew and Jim will commit Council provided Ward funds to this project and work with local groups to raise additional funds and identify where that money should be spent.
- Working with Kent Police to reduce speeding through the Ward.
- Campaign to improve the flow of traffic along Wigmore Road.
- Ensure that residents receive value for money from the Council Tax and that services residents use are delivered in a timely and efficient way.
Andrew and Jim both live in Hempstead and Wigmore and will be strong voices on Medway Council for local residents.
Contact Us
Andrew Lawrence
308 Hempstead Road Hempstead Gillingham ME7 3QH
Jim Gilbourne
The Old Farm House Harrow Road Hempstead Gillingham ME7 3QA
Email: team@hwconservatives.co.uk
Photo ID required to vote on 4th May 2023
The Government is using these elections to test new legislation that will require voters to bring one photo identification to the polling station on 4th May 2023. The photo identification that is acceptable are: -
- Passport
- Driving Licence
- Blue Badge
- Older or Disabled Bus pass funded by the Government
You may use out of date photo identification if it looks like you. A full list of acceptable identification is found here https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/ and follow the links. If you do not have an acceptable photo identification you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.
Splashes Sports Centre is in doubt if Labour win the election on 4th May 2023
Medway Labour have opposed the rebuilding of the Splashes Sports Centre in Rainham since it was conceived and have made it clear that if they win the Council the project will be “reviewed” which is code for cancelled. Andrew and Jim are determined that residents in Hempstead and Wigmore get access to high quality local leisure facilities.
Lidsing Update
Stage Two Hearings of the Maidstone Borough Council Local Plan, are to be held in Maidstone Town Hall between 23rd and 25th May, which will include the Lidsing Garden Village Development. Jim Gilbourne and Andrew Lawrence will stand shoulder to shoulder with all councillors In Maidstone who vehemently oppose the development. The impact across Medway will be significant, and especially for the residents in Hempstead and Wigmore.
Jim was part of the small group from Hempstead who helped to raise over £1,600 towards the Against Lidsing Garden Development campaign by organising an Entertainment Evening in Bredhurst Village Hall. We stand ready to help with any new fundraising efforts should they arise.
Updates and News
Kings Frith Play Area
Improvements to the play area are planned to be completed by the end of March, weather permiting.
Recycling
Do you live in Medway and use the recycling centres? - from Friday, 31 March you will need to bring proof of address for your booking since the recycling centres will only be open to Medway residents.
New or Learner Driver
If you're a learner driver or have recently passed your test, or maybe a concerned parent we have lots of online road safety resources that you can download and view for free, including FirstCar magazine. Find out more by visiting: https://www.medway.gov.uk
Gas Main Replacement
We have been advised that the gas main along Bredhurst Road is going to be replaced commencing 3rd April. This will be in two stages and will unfortunately require parts of the road to be closed.
