New public transport links for Kent’s Leeds Castle

We are pleased to hear a regular bus service will begin calling at Leeds Castle. The 10X bus that runs between Ashford and Maidstone will stop off in the Castle grounds providing a direct public transport link for visitors to the top tourist attraction.

For more information:

https://www.stagecoachbus.com/news/south-east/2024/may/new-public-transport-links-for-kents-leeds-castle

Parish Office – Closed Wednesday 19th June 2024

Parish Council Office – Closed on Wednesday the 19th June 2024
The office will be closed on Wednesday 19th of June as works are being carried out to the sewage pipes behind the building. If you need to contact us please email the Clerk at clerk@bearstedparishcouncil.gov.uk or the Deputy Clerk at deputy@bearstedparishcouncil.gov.uk
Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

Bearsted Road Works

KCC has informed parish councils that the work to widen the Bearsted Road by the Vinters Park Crematorium is being put on hold. As many will know, KCC is facing significant financial challenges, and although S106 monies from housing developments was previously allocated to this scheme, delays in appointing contractors and commencing works have caused the overall project costs to increase. This has resulted in a significant shortfall in funding available to complete the scheme, and until this shortfall can be addressed, works are being stopped.

We are incredibly disappointed about this situation, but as this is a matter for KCC Highways, we advise residents to contact our County Councillor, Sir Paul Carter, if they require further  information.

Online Playscheme Tickets sales are now SOLD OUT!

Online ticket sales are now sold out.

If you wish to be added to the contact list please email clerk@bearstedparishcouncil.gov.uk.

Please include your name, childs name, school year, Tel no. Email address and weeks required.

Those on the waiting list will be contacted with 7 days.

Summer Playscheme Tickets 2024

We are pleased to announce Playscheme tickets go on sale from Wednesday 12th June 2024

Volunteer for our Community Speed Watch Scheme

In support of our local residents concerns about speeding on the A20, Bearsted Parish Council would like to start a Speed Watch Scheme.
To do this we need your help! We are still looking for local volunteers who have 2-3 hours free a week. We need a minimum of 8 volunteers to make these scheme work. You will help record the speed of passing vehicles along the A20, with full training given on how to use speed indication devices and all equipment will be provided.
The aim of the scheme is to collect data about vehicle speeds and assess it. If problems with speeding and dangerous driving are shown, appropriate action is taken. This may include:
  • raising the issues with Kent County Council Highways officers and Medway Council Highway officers
  • enforcing speed limits with help from the Kent and Medway Safety Camera Partnership and our Special Constabulary
  • enforcing road safety laws using local officers

Drivers caught speeding are sent warning letters. Where drivers have been seen on four occasions in a 12-month period, police officers will visit the driver at their address.

All vehicles are checked for tax and MOT. Any vehicles without these, may have action taken against them. Letters sent to owners will also check for that their insurance is valid.

The aim of the scheme is not to catch as many speeding drivers as possible, but to encourage them to drive within the speed limit. Many local areas where Community Speed watch is already in place, have seen a positive change in driver behaviour and compliance with the speed limit.
For more information visit: https://www.kent.police.uk/speedwatch
If you would like to join the team please email clerk@bearstedparishcouncil.gov.uk

Allotment tours with Bearsted CAN

Would you like to try different ways of growing more fruit and vegetables? Ask our expert allotment holders!
Bearsted CAN will be coordinating a tour of our Parish Council allotment gardens.
Monday 12th August – It will start at the Church Lane allotments at 9-30am with a break for refreshments at The Holy Cross Church.
This will be followed by a tour of the allotments opposite the WI Hall (a short walk from the church) and we will finish there at 1pm.
All the allotments holders have interesting and unique ways of growing their crops and are willing to share their knowledge.