Latest Information
Budget
For the 2024-25 year ahead, the Parish Council has requested a precept figure of £83,275 from Sevenoaks District Council. This is a 0% increase on a band D property.
We have been able to do this for a number of reasons:
- A few years ago we finished converting all our streetlights to LEDs which represented a significant cost saving.
- We review contracts periodically to ensure we are getting the best value and a few years ago moved streetlighting contractors which was another significant saving.
- We derive a small income from sponsorship to support projects such as the Crockenhill in Flower group.
- We seek out funding opportunities, which has allowed us to upgrade the playgrounds, buy new picnic benches and make other improvements.
- The community payback project has really helped us too. Whilst it does require a considerable amount of organisation, it allows us to complete maintenance work done which we may otherwise have struggled to afford.
Grants and enhancements to community spaces
We really value our green spaces in Crockenhill and work hard to protect and enhance them. This includes ensuring that we make the most of funding opportunities which may arise. Last year we were awarded £10,500 towards the climbing frame on the Village Green (from the National Lottery and West Kent Housing).
The final new piece of equipment for the Village Green playground was installed earlier this year after the Parish Council received a grant from the UK shared prosperity fund via Sevenoaks District Council.
We are also pleased to report that the Parish Council was successful in its bid for extra CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) funding to carry out further playground works at Harvestfield. The new climbing web has been installed and work on the new multi-play space is due to be finished in June.
We have also recently been awarded £2500 from the West Kent Rural grant. This is for more benches and picnic tables at Harvestfield, as well as some interpretation boards to promote biodiversity and bird boxes.
A hedgehog Highway is a 5 inch gap in a fence or wall allowing access for Hedgehogs. These gaps are essential in the battle to prevent the extinction of our endangered spiky friends.
The Hedgehog Highway allows hedgehogs to:
*Forage for food
*Meet mates to breed
*Access nesting sites
For more information, please visit www.hedgehogsrus..co.uk
Dear Residents,
Emergency Planning Contact List
Crockenhill Parish Council is in the process of updating its Emergency Plan. The Plan provides a framework for us, in the event of an emergency, to help those who may be vulnerable. Emergencies include power cuts, heavy snow and flooding.
We are updating our lists and would like to know of anyone who may rely on services such as electrical equipment or delivery of medication; are on their own and have no family living nearby; or are elderly and more vulnerable. You do not have to be a certain age to qualify. In most cases this will likely be just a quick call in an emergency to make sure all is well. In other situations, it may be that more help is needed, so Councillors will work with other agencies to ensure that support/assistance is directed where needed most.
We are also looking for more volunteers who may be
able to help during an emergency. Obviously, Emergency Services are always the
first port of call but there may be times when we need additional support for
residents. For example, those with 4x4 vehicles may be able to assist getting
people to hospital and getting shopping; those with a generator may be able to
help people who rely on electrical equipment; those with Nursing experience may
be able to help some of our most vulnerable. This is not intended to be a
regular commitment, just help in an emergency situation.
If you would like to be added to our Emergency contact
list or register as a volunteer, please contact clerk@crockenhillpc.org.uk
to
request a short form which can be completed in a few minutes and returned to
the Clerk by 28th Feb 2024.
Thank you
https://www.crockenhillpc.org.uk/planning
Local people can soon comment on the Council’s draft Local Plan, which includes proposals to meet the District’s future housing and development needs.
Sevenoaks District Council is working on ‘Plan 2040’, a new Local Plan, which sets out what can be built and where over the next 15 years.
based in the Crockenhill Village Hall, Stones Cross Road Crockenhill BR8 8LT. We usually
meet on the first Wednesday of the month (see the attached programme of events and
activities). Doors opening at 7:30 pm for an 8:00 start.
All visitors are welcome, so if interested or want more information, please come along to
meet our WI group.
Crockenhill Women’s Institute Event Programme 2023/2024
Date Presentation Speaker
7 Jun 20‘23 Hampton Court, Sex and Gossip Sarah Slater
5 Jul 2023 5 years Nursing & living in India Dee Larcombe
*13th July, 7.30pm ‘Petanque Taster’ (The Chequers, Crockenhill)
2 Aug 2023 Living in the Trenches (Open evening, guests welcome) Nick Gibson
6 Sep 2023 Reaching for the Stars *Competition: ‘Late summer Corsage’ Paul Read
4 Oct 2023 Members Evening
1 Nov 2023 Look good Feel Good Margaret Clarkson-Bennett
6 Dec 2023 Christmas Party (Singer)
* Gifts for Bexley Women’s Aid
* Competition ‘Christmas Decoration’
Eliza Mc Lleland
Jan 2024 No Meeting
7 Feb 2024 The Love of Wine: Portugal, Port & Madeira
* Hyacinth Competition
Chris Newlands
6 Mar 2024 Social Evening
* Easter gifts for Bexley Women’s Aid
* Beetle drive (Date to be announced)
3 Apr 2024 Magician Bob Pound
1 May 2024 Annual General Meeting & Resolutions
