By the time you read this every resident should have received the Vision for Capel questionnaire and accompanying letter. If you have not already done so, please answer the questions on the sheet and return the form to the parish council (this will usually be via the letterbox of the deliverer). It is really important that we have the views of as many residents/businesses as possible if the final document is to reflect the views of the community as a whole. If you have lost your questionnaire or need another you can download a copy from www.capel-pc.org.uk If you wish each member of your household can submit a response.
The next (online) meeting of the Parish Council will be on Monday 7th September. All residents can attend. You will need to email the clerk for details of how to join the zoom meeting clerk@capelpc.co.uk Since the last meeting the council has submitted their Highway Improvement Plan to KCC as part of our campaign for road improvements along the B2017 including a crossing in Five Oak Green. Kent Highways have claimed pressure of other work prevent them from dealing with this at present, a stance that councillors will want to discuss at the meeting given the amount of time the crossing has been an issue in the village. The Kings Head pub site will also be on the agenda. We are awaiting an update on Tunbridge Wells planning department’s correspondence with the owner/developer and hope this eyesore can be cleared up and secured in the near future.
At the time of writing work was due to start on the new play area and zip wire on the recreation ground on August 17th. (The play area was funded by the Friends of Five Oak Green, the zipwire by CPC. Both will be managed by the parish council). We hope to open these for public use immediately and will need to consider the future of the existing under 11’s alongside them. The existing under 5’s is life expired. One idea to is to eventually use that space for adult gym equipment.
At its next meeting, the Council will also be looking to co-opt a member to replace Cllr Young who resigned in May. Details of how to apply are on the council website. Closing date for applications is September 1st. The term of the new councillor will last until May 6th 2021 when a parish council election is due.
Hugh Patterson