Kent Messenger
Restaurant's menu now provides song of the day
Fancy a slow cooked rendition of Woman in Love or the velvety chocolate mousse of The Wind Beneath My Wings to go with your dinner date?

If the answer is yes, go along to the Loch Fyne restaurant, on Friday, December 7, when Matthew Jones and Friends will be singing for your supper from 7pm. [more]

Kent Messenger
Joining a vigorous defence of threatened post offices
Post Offices are "fundamental" to their communities, according to councillors fighting the potential closure of six branches. Offices in Sevenoaks, Seal, Farningham, Eynsford and Edenbridge are at risk of closure under a national review that will lead to 2,500 branches being shut down.

A consultation period ended this month, and the post offices will learn their fate in December. Sevenoaks council objected to any of the six post offices being closed. Cllr Jill Davison (Con), said: "We know how important to our residents their local post office branches are, and we have outlined this in our formal response to the Post Office. We fully support the retention of all the branches in the district. They are a fundamental part of our local towns and villages and we hope the Post Office recognises this." [more]

Kent Messenger
MP demands answers over benefit data
The Government must shoulder the blame for the loss of personal data of 25 million families because of its decision to create a "monster ministry".

Sevenoaks MP, Michael Fallon (Con), blamed the merger of HM Customs and Excise and the Inland Revenue, forced through by Gordon Brown when he was Chancellor.

Mr Fallon is a senior member of the cross-party Treasury select committee.

He said the merger "gave the job of administering benefits to people who had never had that responsibility before".

He also confirmed that senior managers from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC), which has the job of collecting £400 billion of taxes, and administering benefits and tackling smuggling, had been summoned to appear before the Treasury committee in a fortnight.

"We will want to find out why staff did not follow procedures; why there have been two or three breaches like this and what role the Government had," he said. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Commuters face another fares rise
Sevenoaks commuters will be forced to endure a further price increase of 6.8 per cent from January.

In announcing the rise today, operator Southeastern blamed it on the Government's policy of reducing train companies' subsidies. [more]

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
God’s Wallop Christmas 2007 - 4.3% ABV

Westerham Brewery is delighted to announce the launch of its Christmas beer. This year’s God’s Wallop is a FAIRTRADE beer, joining the William Wilberforce Freedom Ale as one of just three FAIRTRADE beers available on draught in the UK.

God’s Wallop combines pale ale, amber and dark crystal malts with FAIRTRADE Demerara sugar from Malawi, in an Old Ale style beer using 100% Kentish hops. Once again the beer is pitched at 4.3% ABV.

God’s Wallop is available throughout December. [more]

Kent Messenger
Pedestrian 'serious' after being struck by car
Kent Police today appealed for witnesses to an incident in which a woman pedestrian was seriously injured.

The incident happened last night at about 6.50pm in Main Road, Sundridge, near Sevenoaks.

A silver BMW 3 series car travelling towards Sevenoaks was in collision with a local woman in her 70s. She was taken to hospital in Farnborough. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Specialist court extended after pilot scheme
Victims of domestic abuse in the area who want to see the perpetrators brought to justice are set to be offered extensive support after the extension of a successful pilot scheme.

The Domestic Violence Court in Maidstone allows victims to give evidence in a safe environment, and was piloted in August 2007.

The court is segregated so the victim cannot see the perpetrator and enters the court through a separate entrance and has their own waiting area, away from their abuser and his or her family. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Confidential programme offers freedom from abuse
A totally confidential programme that helps women suffering or recovering from domestic abuse to improve their quality of life is available in the District.

The innovative 'Freedom' programme is a 12 week rolling scheme supported by the Sevenoaks District Community Safety Partnership. It is being run at various locations in the District.

The programme is completely free and aims to help participants gain self-esteem, to understand the situation they are in and to gain the confidence to improve the quality of their lives. Women can join the 12 week scheme at any point.

The programme highlights the different forms of abuse, and what domestic abuse is for women who may not realise they are in an abusive relationship. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Tesco to submit new plans
Tesco is aiming to submit a fresh application for its proposed Riverhead expansion in the next few weeks.

Sevenoaks District Council officials have met with supermarket bosses in the wake of the council's shock decision to back out of a planning appeal.

The council had refused Tesco permission to increase its store by 50 per cent, but last week decided not to defend its decision. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Women skydive over safety
Two daredevil women from a nursery in Riverhead are to perform a parachute jump to raise awareness of a campaign to build a new crossing.

Cindy Parkhurst, who works at Teddies Nursery in Amherst Hill, believes the road is potentially fatal for parents and children.

The 42-year-old has been trying to get Kent County Council (KCC) to build a crossing for eight months, but believed progress was too slow. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Festive debt warning
Sevenoaks Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) has urged residents to avoid the devastating effects of falling into debt this Christmas by living within their means.

Volunteers who work for the charity see an increase in the number of people struggling to make ends meet after the Christmas period, said CAB euro manager Holly Hearle.

And since November last year 50 people with debts that were out of control totalling £770,000 have sought advice. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Sevenoaks named as the safest district in Kent for a record fourteenth month
The latest crime statistics, released last week (21 November 2007) show that Sevenoaks District had the lowest number of recorded crimes in Kent for a record fourteenth month in a row. According to Kent Police crime figures, Sevenoaks District has been the safest area in Kent since August 2006. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Free parking for late night Christmas shoppers
As part of the Sevenoaks festive late night shopping event, Sevenoaks District Council is suspending all its parking charges in the town. On Friday 30 November from 6pm, drivers can park for free in any of the the Council's car parks and on-street where there would normally be charging. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
CCTV's arresting figures
Sevenoaks District Council's CCTV cameras have zoomed in to assist Kent Police in the fight against crime by helping them make nearly 40 arrests in a six week period recently.

When five men were arrested in Swanley in the early hours of Wednesday 14 November after being monitored by CCTV, it meant the cameras had helped Kent Police make 37 arrests since the start of October. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Young people broaden their horizons in Edenbridge
As part of Community Safety Week local reporters and photographers can gain a unique insight into an innovative project that offers disengaged, disadvantaged and vulnerable young people vocational training to help them prepare for life and work.

The Horizon Project in Edenbridge works with young people from the widest range of socially excluded backgrounds providing them with real opportunities to gain skills, recognised qualifications, experience in painting and decorating as well as training in literacy, numeracy, IT, fitness and improved-self esteem.

This Wednesday (28 November), from 10am to 1pm, the Project Key Worker Sarah Hardcastle, who grew up near Edenbridge, will be on hand to talk to reporters. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Ride with the clean up team that’s taking on the fly tippers
Clean Kent is a partnership project that is helping to keep Sevenoaks District cleaner and greener by removing litter, graffiti and fly-tipped rubbish in problem areas as well as taking action against those responsible.

Local reporters and photographers are invited to go out with the Clean Kent team from Wednesday 28 to Friday 30 November 2007 to see first hand how it operates. The team will at various locations in Sevenoaks District during the three days. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Call for Swanley volunteers
Local reporters can find out how volunteering is helping to make Swanley a safer place at a volunteer open morning in the town.

Taking place on Thursday 29 November 2007 between 10am and 12pm in the Tower Room, Swanley Library, there will be displays from several volunteer organisations that operate in the town including Swanley Volunteer Centre, the Scouts, Police Special Constables and Neighbourhood Watch.

There will also be an opportunity to find out the results of the Op General II, which ran from October 2006 to February 2007.

Swanley residents who want to find out more about volunteering and how to make a difference to their local community through volunteering have been invited to the event. [more]

KOS MEDIA
Stolen van recovered after police pursuit
Swift action by a police patrol led to the recovery of a stolen parcel delivery van.

The van driver was making a delivery to an address in Main Road, near Sevenoaks, on Thursday at 2.30pm.

As he was walking back he saw it being driving off in the direction of Church Road. [more]

Kent Messenger
Our tots need a safe crossing
A nursery is stepping up its campaign for a zebra or pelican crossing on a busy road.

Cindy Parkhurst, of Teddies Nursery in Amherst Hill, Riverhead, has so far collected 100 names on a petition calling for KCC to provide a crossing.

The nursery nurse will jump out of a plane at Headcorn airfield on December 8 to raise the profile of the campaign and raise funds for Demelza Hospice Care for Children, near Sittingbourne.

Meanwhile, Anna Simpson, unit leader at the nursery's Little Learners section, is distributing road safety pamphlets and canvassing residents to sign the petition.

Members of St Mary's Church in Riverhead are also canvassing signatures. Miss Parkhurst said a crossing would encourage parents to park their vehicles in a car park opposite the nursery and then cross the road, rather than parking outside the nursery, where there had been several accidents. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Helping reduce domestic abuse
Local reporters have a unique chance to find out more about one of the most under reported and serious crimes in the District next week.

Recently released figures for Sevenoaks District show that over a quarter of all victims of domestic abuse, in the period from April to September, were repeat victims.

On Tuesday afternoon (27 November) reporters can visit the West Kent Community Domestic Abuse Programme (CDAP) and have the exclusive opportunity to interview the project manager and a participant on the programme to understand how it works and how valuable it is to the District. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Council calls for retention of local Post Office branches
Sevenoaks District Council has called for the retention of all local post office branches in its formal response to the Post Office Ltd's plans to close six branches in the District The Council submitted its response on 12 November, the day the Post Office's six week consultation period on its Area Plan Proposal for Kent ended.

The response supports the retention of the branches threatened with closure in Edenbridge, Eynsford, Farningham, Seal and Sevenoaks as well as the remaining 25 District branches. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
U-turn on tesco bid
Sevenoaks planners have dramatically thrown in the towel in the fight over Tesco's controversial expansion at Riverhead. On Friday Sevenoaks District Council admitted it "could not provide evidence" to defend its decision to refuse the supermarket giant permission to increase its store by 50 per cent. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Top marks for school with high expectations
Staff and pupils alike have been proudly singing the praises of Sevenoaks School after picking up a top accolade.

The school has beaten off competition from around the country to be named the Sunday Times Independent School of the Year.

And in just one year it managed to climb 18 places up the table to be named seventh best school in the country overall. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Bride's dad to sue wedding venue
The father of a Hartley bride-to-be is taking Hop Farm Country Park to court, claiming the attraction owes him a £1,000 deposit. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
'Profound concerns' over 33-flats plan at fox's site
Residents and councillors have voiced concerns over plans to redevelop the Fox's Garage site in Badgers Mount.

Two meetings have been held to discuss proposals by Jersey-based company Claverton Holdings for 33 flats and 400sqm of shop space. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Gymnasts spring into winning form
Children from four schools across the Sevenoaks area have come away from a regional gymnastics competition with top awards.

The South East Regional Gymnastics Championship was held at Sevenoaks Leisure Centre for the first time on Thursday.

Youngsters from Sevenoaks, Weald, Dunton Green and Amherst primary schools helped swell the number of competitors to 126. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Show your knowledge of the town and bag a prize
Do You THINK you know your way around Sevenoaks? Here's your chance to test your powers of observation and win a festive gift.

The Chronicle and Sevenoaks Town Council have teamed up to encourage as many people as possible to attend next week's town centre Christmas party and lights switch-on.

Residents are being urged to take the chance to tour the town and find the answers to the 12 Christmas questions posed on the form above. A £25 gift voucher awaits the winner.

On Friday next week the town centre will be awash with festive spirit. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Winter forecasts blow hot and cold
The sharp frosts last week, and now the return of wetter, windy conditions remind us that autumn is rapidly sliding into winter, and understandably, many people are interested to know what sort of winter awaits us.

While local farmers would welcome a hard winter in the hope that it will kill off the midges that spread the blue tongue virus that is so deadly to sheep and cattle, most readers will probably be hoping for a repetition of last winter's mild conditions, with, perhaps, a little less rain. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Fundraisers go potty for children in need
It's that time of year again when the country goes bonkers with hairy men enduring waxing, people lying in baked beans and strange activities on the streets - and Sevenoaks was no exception for Friday's Children in Need.

There seems to be no end to what fundraisers will do to earn much-needed cash for charity.

In the Sevenoaks area some of these events included staff being silenced, dog nails being clipped and student versus teacher football matches. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
New-look is real success
The new-look Chronicle has proved a real hit with readers.

David Moss of Tonbridge Road, Sevenoaks, said of the fresh look: "I think it's very good. We read it to see what's going on and there's a lot of interesting news."

Last month the paper's masthead was changed, marking the completion of an 18-month process of improvement. The Chronicle now includes more local news in its three editions, plus more features and picture spreads celebrating local life. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Negotiations continue over site proposals
Revised plans for the West Kent Cold Store site in Dunton Green may soon be lodged with planners.

Sevenoaks District Council has met with representatives from property developer Berkeley Homes to discuss the previous application for 500 dwellings, which is the subject of an appeal.

Council spokesman Daniel Whitmarsh said: "At the meeting the council outlined the main concerns that had been expressed at the development control committee about the application, including an indication at committee that a development of about 320 to 350 homes would be more acceptable than the current proposals for around 500 new dwellings." [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Threat to services after decision to save £2m
Some services provided by Sevenoaks District Council will have to be cut to make ends meet next year, leaders have admitted.

The authority has "reached a tipping point" and needs to slash £2million from its budget over the next four years.

It said it has already made as many administrative savings as possible, leaving no option but to look at axing or downsizing some services it offers the public. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Efforts in war-torn countries rewarded
An Aid worker from Westerham has been awarded an MBE for his work in war-torn countries.

David McMullan, who lives in the High Street, received the honour for his work as an engineer for Oxfam at Buckingham Palace Wednesday last week.

He said: "We were all delighted and the Queen had a really nice chat with me. She was really friendly and asked me about the work I'd done". [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Lighting up for christmastide
Children gathered at Ightham Mote on Thursday to see the Christmas lights being turned on. [more]

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Obituary Notice - GWENDOLINE JOYCE (GWEN) DURRANT

Born in England, November 6, 1914, passed away peacefully in Bastion Place, Salmon Arm, BC, November 12, 2007.

Gwen was predeceased by husband, George (June 20, 1995) also one brother and five sisters.

She leaves to lovingly remember her - daughter Pat (Turner), son Gary (Durrant), grandchildren, Christian, Caren, Shelley and Jason, together with many nieces and nephews in both England and Canada.

After finishing school, Gwen went into "Service" doing housework on large estates across England. She was very proud of this period in her life and loved to tell stories about the days of butlers, footman, upstairs and downstairs maids, cooks, scullery maids and stable hands.

Gwen married George Thomas Durrant on June 25, 1938 and they set up home in a 500 year old cottage (proudly with indoor plumbing) on Stone Street, Sevenoaks, Kent.

Gwen continued her love of housework and went to work in some of the large houses around the Sevenoaks area. Until this date she has lovingly kept contact with some of her employers and friends from these days.

In June, 1992, Gwen and her husband George packed up their home of 54 years on Stone Street and immigrated to Canada to live with her daughter Pat in Blind Bay, BC. With them they brought "Pickles", their precocious Jack Russell Terrier.

They were quick to make friends with neighbours in Blind Bay. In the earlier days, Gwen especially enjoyed walking her little dog with a friend around the Estate. She delighted in visits from her friends as her health failed and she was no longer able to get about.

There will be no formal service at this time.

Condolences may be sent to sympathy@bowersfuneralservice.com

Cremation arrangements were in the care of Bowers Funeral Home, Box 388, Salmon Arm, BC, Canada, V1E 4N5.

KOS MEDIA
Battle to keep Kent war hero painting in UK
The Government has made a last ditch attempt to prevent a painting of a Kent war hero being taken to America.

The image of General James Wolfe had been on display at his family home at Quebec House in Westerham near Sevenoaks, where it was on loan to the National Trust, but it was bought at auction this summer by a collector from the United States.

General Wolfe was one of the key figures in the fight for control of Canada against the French in the 18th century. He died during the victorious Battle of the Plains of Abraham at Quebec in 1759, which was acknowledged to be the major strategic victory leading to the end of French rule in North America. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Tesco planning appeal
After taking expert legal advice, Sevenoaks District Council has reluctantly decided not to defend its decision to reject the proposed expansion of Tesco in Riverhead at a forthcoming planning appeal.

An application to extend the Tesco store in Riverhead was refused by the Council's Development Control Committee on 15 February 2007 for the following three reasons, as Members felt that:

• The proposal failed to demonstrate that there was a satisfactory retail need for the development
• The proposal, through the intensified use of the western and southern parts of the site, would result in an unacceptable level of noise and light disturbance to nearby residents
• The proposal would have the potential to result in an unacceptable impact on air quality within an air quality management area

After three special meetings, and following expert advice from consultants and legal advice from Counsel, the Council has decided that it could not provide evidence to the Planning Inspectorate in defence of the reasons for refusal. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Council plucks Green Apple Award
Sevenoaks District Council has won a top environmental award thanks to local residents who supported its scheme to encourage wildlife to thrive.

The Council was presented with a Green Apple Award at a ceremony at the House of Commons on Friday 9 November by the well known botanist and TV personality Professor David Bellamy in recognition of its 'Gardening for Wildlife' scheme.

The prestigious 2007 National Green Apple Awards promote the environmental work of local authorities, commerce and industry around the world and rewards their efforts. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Deals on wheels for local youth groups
Local youth groups in the District are being reminded that they can take advantage of an ongoing scheme to help them get to and from activities both inside and outside the District.

Sevenoaks District Council's subsidised minibus scheme offers youth groups the chance to book minibuses in the evenings and at weekends. Groups can have up to three half-price trips during the year with additional journeys available at cost price. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Record breaking year for green minded school children
More children and their parents than ever are thinking about the environment according to an innovative survey that looks at how children travel to school.

According to the 'Streets Ahead' survey, a record 81.9% of children surveyed travelled to school in a way that reduces the impact on the environment including, walking, cycling and car sharing. This compares to 76% last year.

The survey, organised by Sevenoaks District Council, teaches children about the impact school traffic has on the environment. This year 12 schools took part in the survey with 1,298 children recording how they travelled to school on a chosen day. Of the 12, seven schools took part in this year's survey for the first time.

Each school that took part was able to make a tree to show how sustainable their chosen form of transport was - the more green leaves the better. Every participating school also received a garden voucher to purchase an item for their school grounds. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Unique landmark recognised
A unique Swanley landmark that commemorates the first British officer killed in action in World War One looks set to be protected for future generations following an application from Swanley Town Council.

The Swanley war memorial on St Mary's Road was declared as a listed building in a letter from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport to Sevenoaks District Council on Monday 5 November.

The memorial is in honour of all those from the town who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars. It also includes a special memorial to Joseph T Gedge of Swanley, who became the first British officer killed in action in World War One when his boat, HMS Amphion was sunk in the Thames Estuary on August 6 1914. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Smokefree District gets a warm welcome
The introduction of the smokefree legislation has been a great success across England according to research undertaken on the first three months on the new laws.

According to a report issued earlier this month by the Department of Health 98 per cent of the 275,000 businesses inspected between July 1 and September 30 were identified as being smokefree, with 84.6 per cent displaying the correct signage.

The majority of people, 80 per cent, also feel the law has had a positive effect on their health, with the most frequently mentioned benefits experienced being:

• Clothes and hair don't smell of smoke after visiting a pub or club
• More pleasant or better atmosphere in pubs, clubs and/or restaurants
• Cleaner air [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Help others enjoy healthy living
Residents of the District can help others enjoy the benefits of a healthier lifestyle by taking part in a free training day next month.

Sevenoaks District Council is holding a free Health Walk Leader Training Day at the Council Offices in Argyle Road, on Friday 14 December from 9am to 4.30pm.

Completion of the course will enable participants to assist with existing health walks currently taking place in the District, or set up their own walking group in their local community. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Bright idea for school children!
The walk to school for a number of Edenbridge children is set to become safer when around 70 reflectors and arm bands are handed over next week.

The items, funded by the Sevenoaks District Community Safety Partnership, will be presented to the children, who regularly walk along Hever Road to Edenbridge Primary School, next Tuesday (13 November) at 12noon at the Edenbridge Centre.

The arm bands and reflectors will make it easier for car drivers to see the children, now the clocks have gone back and it is getting darker earlier. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Don't let your money go to waste
A new national campaign is encouraging people to stop throwing up to £400 a year in the bin by reducing their food waste.

The 'Love Food, Hate Waste' campaign was launched last week (Thursday 1 November) by the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) after their research revealed that for every three bags of shopping we bring home, we effectively put one straight in the bin. The wasted cost to the average household is thought to be up to £400 a year.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of the problem and provide information on what simple steps can be taken to combat it.

In the UK around 6.7million tonnes of food is thrown away each year. Much of this ends up in landfill sites. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Festive fun dances its way to Edenbridge!
Edenbridge residents who want to get in the Christmas spirit with a special festive tea dance are being reminded time is running out for them to get their tickets.

The event will take place from 12noon to 2pm on Wednesday 28 November at Edenbridge Leisure Centre.

Tickets cost £4 per person, which includes tea, coffee, sandwiches and mince pies, and they can be purchased in advance from the Leisure Centre. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Keep it safe with crime reduction packs
Residents across the District can now pick up information packs from town and parish council offices and libraries on how to reduce property crime to help the area remain the safest in Kent.

The Home and Vehicle Crime Reduction Pack contain a wealth of information on how to reduce burglary and vehicle crime by making your vehicle, home and other property more secure.

The packs are available to all residents. To find out where your nearest town or parish council or library is contact Sevenoaks District Council on 01732 227000.

Figures released by Kent Police show that since August 2006 the District has had the lowest crime rate in Kent. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
What are the scores on the doors?
Nearly all food businesses in the District can expect to receive letters, in the coming days, containing important information about food hygiene inspections.

As part of a national initiative called 'Scores on the Doors', food businesses inspected by Sevenoaks District Council's Environmental Health Team will be given a star rating based on the assessment of their food hygiene standards.

From 14 January 2008 these results will be accessible through the Council's website allowing residents and visitors to the District to make more informed choices about where they eat. It will also be possible to access the results on the 'Scores on the Doors' website - www.scoresonthedoors.org.uk

The Council will be writing to all types of food businesses, including wholesalers, retailers, manufacturers and caterers. The letter will contain details of the new scheme and also give every business a note of what its star rating would be based on the most recent inspection. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Post Office reject request to extend consultation period
A request by Sevenoaks District Council to extend the consultation period for the possible closure of six local branches has been turned down by the Post Office.

The Council wrote to the Post Office, following a meeting of its Cabinet on 25 October, asking to extend the consultation beyond the current deadline of next Monday (12 November). However the Post Office refused the request meaning residents now have less than a week to comment on the proposals. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Fresh plea on sex attack
More details have been released about people police want to speak to in relation to a serious sexual assault in Otford. A woman believed to be in her 40s was attacked in the Pilgrims Way East area of the village on October 18 between 8pm and 9pm.

Police have now said they are keen to trace a woman wearing a light three-quarter length coat seen running in the Kemsing area at the time of attack.
They also want to question a thick set man aged 40 to 50 wearing dark clothing who was seen running in the Otford area at around the same time. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Chairman backs poppy appeal 2007
Sevenoaks District Council's Chairman, Cllr James Gaywood, is appealing to the local community for its generous support for the Royal British Legion's 'Poppy appeal'. Cllr Gaywood, says: "The Royal British Legion continues to give invaluable care, support and advice to the many ex-service men and women who seek its aid. I am asking residents to dig deep into their pockets and give generously for the sake of those who have served and those who continue to serve our country in action overseas." [more]

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
On November 2nd 5 Cub Scouts received the highest award possible for a cub from the DC, Jeanette Schwarz and Sevenoaks Town Mayor, Richard Parry. The cubs, from 1st Braeside, 1st Hicks Own and 15th Waingunga, each told us about their personal challenge as they collected the badge and certificate. It is not every cub that earns this award, which is gained by passing two challenges and a personal challenge and the fact that only five were at this ceremony shows that it is not given lightly. Congratulations too to the leaders that offer a wide range of activities for these cubs to take part in. [Newslink November 2007] Photos | Scouting in Sevenoaks

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Local people asked for their views on the Council's budget priorities
Local residents are being encouraged to have their say on Sevenoaks District Council's financial priorities for the coming year via the Council's website. By logging onto www.sevenoaks.gov.uk and clicking on the homepage link to Council's budget consultation, residents can complete a simple questionnaire which seeks their views on the Council's future budget priorities.

The findings will be used as part of setting the Council's 2008/9 budget, which will be finalised on 21 February 2008. The consultation ends on Friday 23 November 2007.

Those without Internet access can request paper copies of the questionnaire by calling 01732 227000 or by e-mailing budget.consultation@sevenoaks.gov.uk [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Making a PACT for the future
Hextable residents are being invited to set out priorities for their community at a consultation exercise later this month.

A Partners and Community Together (PACT) consultation will be taking place at Hextable Secondary School on Monday 12 November between 6.30pm and 8.30pm.

Any Hextable resident can attend to tell the Sevenoaks District Community Safety Partnership what they feel is important to them in the local area, and completing the consultation should take between 20 minutes and half an hour.

PACT is a new initiative to enable the community to help determine local priorities and get involved in local action. Residents can raise local issues and concerns through PACT panels and workshops with community representatives. [more]