Kennington Community Council was established in May 2019.
Here we look back over the last three years.
In terms of practical achievements of the Council, we highlight the following:
Introduction of a community grants and projects scheme, with number of rounds of evaluation now seen of number of applications – grants have been paid out to local clubs and group including to Downsview School, Bybrook Nature Reserve, Kennington WI, Ashford Hockey Club, Conningbrook Sailing, Rylands Road Park renovation and one other currently earmarked in the reserves to be paid when the project concerned is ready to proceed.
Conducting a major public consultation jointly with Ashford Borough Council on the future use of the former Bockhanger Community Centre site.
Full restoration of the entrance arch to the Kennington Garden of Remembrance and commencement of a project to restore the War memorial opposite.
Commitment from Ashford Borough Council to renovate the play areas at Rylands Road and Spearpoint Playing Field (The Ridge) at a cost of over £600,000.00.
Establishing a Kennington Highways Improvement Plan and submitting it to Kent County Council
And most importantly installation of three accesible defibrillators , one already under consultation with New Hayesbank Doctors Surgery and one ready for installation at the One Stop Shop in Little Burton and the aquisition of a telephone box for a sixth.
Much of the first year in the life of the Council was spent setting up committees, recruiting a Clerk, establishing a budget, along with proper financial procedures, and agreeing priorities. Despite a limited budget, the Council has now established a sound General Reserve on a par with what many Councils will have added to over decades, as well as a dedicated reserves for actions necessary to bring a community facility back to Bockhanger Square. Prudent management has kept the cost of the Council to little more than 55 pence per Band D property per week.