(22 May) Threat to Longfield's Rail Service has not gone away
Kent County Council held a rail summit at County Hall on 20th May. At the meeting a representative from a pressure group called "North Kent Rail Users Group" called for fast trains from Chatham not to call at Longfield and Meopham. He claimed it "greatly added to journey times" (actually it is just 5 minutes). For South Eastern they said that when they consulted before they had a lot of objections and only 2 in favour (from KCC and a railwayman). He said they think they should do this because there were lots more people on the train wanting a fast journey than got on at Longfield and Meopham. He said that signalling improvements planned for the line will mean the time difference will increase. They expected to remove the stops from at least one train an hour in the 2014 timetable.
See podcast of the rail summit at 1 hr 16min

(17 May) Click here for Report of the annual parish meeting Only 17 attended to hear amongst other things, of increases in the parish council tax, and future changes to rubbish collection which will mean more bins. The public raised concerns about the state of the Cherry Trees shops, and congestion on Castle Hill when Ash Road is closed.

(7 May) Accident and oil spill closes Ash Road for a while. (Heart FM traffic website)

(2 May) Cake celebrates heroes donation

Longfield and New Barn Active Retirement Association raises £2,650 for Help for Heroes. Picture feature (Dartford Messenger 2.5.13 p7)

(2 May) Youngsters get stuck in during visit to butcher

Picture feature on visit by Milestone School Children to Glovers Farm Shop in Hartley. (Dartford Messenger 2.5.13 p16)

0 Comments

(2 May) The Conservatives comfortably held the Sevenoaks North East division, which includes Hartley, New Ash Green and West Kingsdown. David Brazier, the winning candidate, got 48% of the vote, which was slightly down on 2009. UKIP came second, having apparently won most of the votes which the English Democrats got last time. Even though he lived 20 miles away, their candidate got 31% of the vote. Labour recorded a small increase, and the Greens, standing for the first time, got 6%. Turnout was very low at just 26%, probably partly due to a very low key campaign (this writer only received 1 election leaflet).

David Brazier (Conservative) 1,843 (48% of the vote, down 7%)
Richard Harrington (UKIP) 1,160 (31%)
Jim Weekes (Labour) 495 (13%, up 3%)
Mark Lindop (Green) 226 (6%)
Louise Uncles (English Democrat) 67 (2%, down 19%)

0 Comments

(8 April) Click here for report of Parish Council meeting. Among items discussed were Stack Lane, the New Burial Ground and Northfield.

0 Comments

(7 Mar) Leader fends off challenge over council budget woes
Cllr Gaywood of Hartley mounts unsuccessful challenge on March 5th to become leader of Sevenoaks Council. Council leader Cllr Fleming received 2/3rds of the votes in a closed meeting.Sevenoaks Chronicle

(21 Mar) Domino's Pizza opens branch
A branch of the pizza franchise to open in Longfield, creating 25 jobs.
Dartford Messenger, p11

0 Comments

(14 Feb) Store helps carers
Staff at Longfield Co-op dressed in 1950s costume to raise money for Carers Trust Dartford Messenger, p8

(18 Feb) Two women in hospital after crash in Ash Road
Crash in Ash Road about 5.50pm caused multiple injuries to both drivers, one had to be cut from car by fire brigade. News Shopper and Sevenoaks Chronicle

(21 Feb) Stolen Cars in bizarre towing crash
Car with car on trailer (both believed to be stolen) crashed into parked car at Knights Croft, New Ash Green on 16th. Dartford Messenger p15

(28 Feb) Silent heroes honoured for giving blood
Blood donors from Hartley and Longfield (pictured) presented with award for 75 donations of blood. Dartford Messenger, p14

0 Comments

24 Jan Benefits are not welfare handouts
Longfield resident writes to say that benefits are entitlements not handouts and points out that they are being cut at the same time as the top rate of tax is being reduced. Dartford Messenger, page 18

31 Jan Bill in £2.10 parking fee row reaches £375
Woman from Main Road, Longfield refused to pay parking ticket in Hythe. Matter referred to bailiffs who now say bill is £375. Dartford Messenger, p2

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 20.12.12 p10
Kent County Council is to wind up Kent Top Travel, which has run some local bus services. They created it to reduce contract prices on some bus routes, but has been criticised by their private competitors.

0 Comments

Sevenoaks Chronicle 13.12.12 p1
"Well placed sources" claim council tax will rise next year for first time in 3 years. Cllr Ramsay said they won't know until they are told the amount of government grant, which has fallen from £6.3m in 2010/11 to £4.6 million in the current year.

0 Comments

Sevenoaks Chronicle 22.11.12 p3
Would be thieves scared off from Manor Forstal, New Ash Green on 15th November.

0 Comments

Sevenoaks Chronicle 22.11.12 p1
Plans have been drawn up for Sevenoaks Councillors to increase their basic allowance by nearly £2,000 to £6,039 with further increases for Cabinet Members. In all it will cost local taxpayers another £110,000 p.a. Final decision to be taken in January.

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 6.9.12 p7
Longfield and Hartley Scouts raise £4,000 a year by monthly paper collection at Hemesley's Yard.

0 Comments

Reporter 13.9.12
Picture feature on history exhibition at Longfield Church. Article features 3 pictures dating from 1937 to 1950.

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 27.9.12 p8
New Ash Green applies for £10,000 from a government scheme to rejuvenate town centres.

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 27.9.12 p13
Inquest on June Wilkinson (76) of Beechlands Close recorded a verdict of accidental death. Her car was hit on December 29th at New Barn by another driver who was blinded by the low sun.

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 20.9.12 p7
Co-op in Longfield to hold training sessions for people aged 16-24.

0 Comments

Reporter 7.6.2012 p9
Letter from resident of Cherry Trees says that building an airport at Manston would be less disruptive than an estuary airport.

0 Comments

Reporter 17.5.2012, p7

Picture feature on visit of High Commissioner for Namibia to Milestone School, which works with schools in Namibia.

0 Comments

Click on read more for account of meeting.

Read more • 0 Comments

Only 12 minutes long this month, click on Read More below for details.

Read more • 0 Comments

Independent candidate Ann Barnes romped home to defeat the Conservative candidate Craig Mackinlay by a margin of 65% to 35%. Voters appeared to be impressed by her track record as a former head of the Kent Police Authority, that she had fought a positive campaign, and the fact that she was independent of party politics. The real winner was apathy though with a turnout in Kent of only 16.3%.

Hartley's vote would have been part of the Sevenoaks vote, where even here the Conservatives did not win. First preference results here were Independent (Barnes) 5,665, Conservative 4,778, Labour 1,163, UKIP 1,025, Eng Dem 702, Ind (Llyanage) 452. In the second round the result was Ind (Barnes) 6,704, Conservative 5,390.

Nationally the supplemental vote system produced some different results than First Past the Post would have done. As a result Labour lost Humberside and the Conservatives Hampshire.

0 Comments

Reporter 0 Comments

News Shopper 27.9.12

Dartford Messenger 4.10.12 p9
47 year old man from Church Road hit over head with metal object during robbery on the morning of the 26th.

0 Comments

News Shopper 17.10.12

55 year old from Manor Drive claims to have seen mice in cinema. At the time of writing cinema was unavailable for comment.

0 Comments

News Shopper 13.11.12

Pupils at Our Lady of Hartley RC Primary School present 110 signature petition to local MP, calling for dangerous dogs to be microchipped.

0 Comments

Reporter 13.9.2012

Picture feature on photo exhibition held at Longfield Church on 29 September. It features a large number of photos of Longfield past supplied by present and former local residents.

0 Comments

News Shopper 29.8.12

Hartley Country Club win Kent Cricket Premier League for the second year running.

0 Comments

16.10.12

The Boundary Commission today published their revised proposals for the new electoral map of the area. As previously mentioned they had proposed that Hartley and Hodsoll Street should move from Dartford to Gravesend constituencies, to make Gravesend the size required by the new law.

The replies they received were mostly in favour of Hartley remaining in Dartford constituency, although the national Conservative and Labour parties were both in favour.

some suggested moving Swanscombe from Dartford to Gravesend instead. The commission rejected this because they said the numbers didn't stack up and they don't like crossing borough boundaries if it can be avoided. They did agree with representations to put Hextable and not Horton Kirby in the Dartford seat. They also agreed to call the Gravesend constituency Gravesham instead to reflect the fact that it was more than just Gravesend.

People now have a final chance to make representations before 12 December. See Boundary Commission website.

0 Comments

Click on read more below for full story

Read more • 0 Comments

News Shopper 11.7.12

49 year old man from Longfield selected to run for Great Britain in the T51 100m at the Paralympics.

See Kent County Council website Kentsport for details of the Paralympic classifications.

0 Comments

News Shopper 5.7.12

Two 15 year old boys have been charged following armed robbery at jewellers in Longfield, which involved police firearms officers, dogs and helicopter being deployed.

News Shopper 10.7.12
Accused from Camden and Islington appeared at Dartford Magistrates, to be remanded for trial at the Crown Court.

Teens face trial over jewel raid
Dartford Messenger 6.9.12 p5
Trial due to start at Kingston Crown Court on 8 October.

0 Comments

News Shopper 2.7.12

Picture feature on successful Longfield Festival on 1 July.

0 Comments

News Shopper 12.6.12

Car accident at Longfield Hill on 11 June. 32 year old man taken to intensive care at Kings College Hospital, London.

0 Comments

New Ash Green Village Association website
South Eastern have decided not to proceed with plans to cut the number of off peak trains to Longfield. See news item posted 7 May below for details of proposals.

0 Comments

News Shopper 8.6.12

28 year old women from Tottenham sentenced to 240 days after being caught stealing 2 mobile phones in Longfield

0 Comments

Garden Open Day at Urcheons, Larksfield, Hartley on 8 July (2-5pm) in aid of the local hospice. Features pond and Japanese garden. Refreshments available and plants for sale. Disabled access available. Entry £2.50 adult and 50p children.

Click here for details and booking.

0 Comments

News Shopper 7.6.12
Dartford Times 14.6.12 p5
Collision between milk float and van at Hoselands Hill at 4.30am today. Both drivers taken to hospital. Road closed until 7.45am.

0 Comments

Reporter 24.5.12, p11; News Shopper 12.6.12
Residents of Butler's Place have set up a campaign on Facebook to oppose the site of the neighbouring new station. The site has been owned by Kent County Council has owned for many years, and they had previously got planning permission in 1994 for a fire station there, as the area's need for better fire cover has long been recognised. Campaigners claim they are not against a fire station in New Ash Green, but want it built elsewhere. The proposed station is said to be taller than their houses, in reply the Fire Authority offer to look at design, screening and to buy play equipment. Some comments critical of the campaign on the News Shopper website.

0 Comments

Reporter 24.5.12 p3
News Shopper 21.5.12
Pinden Limited fined by Dartford Magistrates after accident which the Health and Safety Executive thought was "entirely preventable".

0 Comments

News Shopper 15.5.12
Missing 15 year old Hartley girl found in Gravesend.

0 Comments

A meeting was held at Long Valley Hall, Longfield on 17th May. It was attended by the MPs for Dartford and Gravesham, local councillors and about 50 members of the public.

Click on read more link for full story.

Read more • 0 Comments

Reporter 10.5.12 p2
Meopham Parish Council launch petition against plans to reduce off peak trains from Longfield and Meopham from 3 to 2 an hour. Clerk to council said "everyone is very much up in arms about this".

0 Comments

News Shopper 16.4.12
15 year old found safe and well in Manchester

0 Comments

Click on read more below for full details.

Read more • 0 Comments

Garden Open Day at Conifers, Ash Road, Ash on 27 May (2-5pm) in aid of the local hospice. Extensive beautifully kept gardens centred on a large pond. Refreshments available and plants for sale. Disabled access available. Entry £3 adult and 50p children.

Click here for details and booking.

0 Comments

Kent Messenger 23.11.2011

An abandoned lurcher was found in Church Road on 20th November in a very poor condition (pictured). As a result of the story the dog was reunited with its owners, from whom it had been stolen in September, after a member of the doglost.co.uk team saw the news story.

0 Comments

Southeastern railway have published a consultation on changes to the timetable in 2012. The main change being proposed is to cut the daytime trains stopping at Longfield and Meopham between the peak hours by a third from 3 trains an hour to 2.

This will mean one of the hourly semi-fast trains calling at Bromley South and Victoria only will no longer call at Longfield and Meopham, because some passengers in east Kent wanted to save time on their journey to London. Removing Longfield and Meopham as a stop saves just 4 minutes.

These cuts were proposed to Southeastern by Kent County Council in their "Rail Action Plan for Kent" and supported by Sevenoaks Council (according to Appendix 4 of the report). The only ones to speak up so far for retaining the current train service are the New Ash Green Village Association and Gravesham Council.

For details see the Southeastern consultation which runs until 31 May, and the KCC document Rail Action Plan for Kent.

0 Comments

See Full Story below

Read more • 0 Comments

Sevenoaks Press Release

Sevenoaks Council have applied for New Ash Green to become a Portas Pilot town, including a Youtube video.

The Department of Communities are looking for 12 pilot towns nationally for up to £100,000 of grant money to take forward recommendations on high streets made by Mary Portas. About 350 towns have applied for a share of the money.

0 Comments

Click on the read more button for details.

Read more • 0 Comments

Click on the read more button for details.

Read more • 0 Comments

Reporter 22.3.12, p3
74 year old man from Gorsewood Road, who is Ellenor Lions' biggest individual fundraiser, chosen to be local torch bearer. He remembers seeing torch procession at Wrotham Hill for the 1948 Olympics too.

0 Comments

Reporter 15.3.12 p 5
Obituary of boxer and former Hartley resident Dave Charnley, who died aged 76. He was European Lightweight Champion in 1960 and narrowly lost World Title fights in 1959 and 1961. See Wikipedia article

0 Comments

Reporter 23.2.12, p5

Kent Fire and Rescue Service confirm they will be going ahead with a new fire station at New Ash Green. Article concentrates on those unhappy with closure of Horton Kirby Fire Station, including Sevenoaks MP.

0 Comments

Reporter 16.2.12 p4

Since lottery began in 1994, there have been 220 winners of over £50,000 in the DA postcode area, or 1 in 1,391 people. Number 1 and 2 were Romford and Enfield.

0 Comments

Reporter 9.2.12 p2; News Shopper 13.2.12

Masked gang steal money from Hartley Post Office on the 6th at 10.25am.

0 Comments

Reporter 26.1.12 p12

Hartley Primary School wins green flag award by renovating wildlife area, reducing waste, encouraging recycling and keeping school litter free (picture)

0 Comments

Reporter 5.1.12 p3

76 year old woman dies in road crash in New Barn Road, other driver also seriously injured.

0 Comments

Reporter 29.12.11, p4

Elderly customer in Longfield had debit card stolen on 8 December by thief who pretended he had dropped £10. Card immediately cancelled but thief had already withdrawn £700.

0 Comments

News Shopper, 29 December 2011
76 year old woman dies in hospital after crash in New Barn Road on 22 December.

0 Comments

Reporter 15.12.11 p12

The old Longfield school is being knocked down by Ward Homes to make way for a new housing estate to be called the chase.

0 Comments

Reporter 15.12.11 p6
News Shopper 12.12.11

Several raids under operation Whirlwind on Thursday included addresses in Hartley, where 4 were held for burglary and cultivation of cannabis, and released on bail.

0 Comments

Reporter 15.12.11 p4

Picture feature on Christingle Assembly at Hartley Primary School

0 Comments

Reporter 15.12.11 p2

150 attend meeting in Horton Kirby to protest about plans to close Horton Kirby fire station and open one in New Ash Green, claiming there are more flats in South Darenth than New Ash Green.

0 Comments

Click on full story link below for details.

Read more • 0 Comments

News Shopper 9.11.2011

The daughter of an 83 year old lady who used to live in Hartley in the 1950s claims she did not receive the care she deserved from the care home in Northfleet. They say they are investigating.

0 Comments

Click on the read more button for details

Read more • 0 Comments

Evening Standard 22.11.11, p7 and additional reporting

Statue of Dr Alfred Salter stolen by metal thieves in Bermondsey. He bought Fairby House in Hartley in 1917 and gave it to the borough of Bermondsey as a convalescent home. Southwark Council are offering £1,000 reward for its return. A council spokesman said “His statue is a well-known local landmark and a fitting tribute to a man who devoted his life to helping others, particularly in Southwark."

0 Comments

News Shopper 31.10.11
Picture feature on year 3 Roman Day. Headteacher said it was enjoyable and helped learning.

See also Reporter "Children step back in time to learn about Roman Empire" (Reporter 3.11.11, p5)

0 Comments

Reporter 13.10.11, p3
Milestone School awarded British Council International School Award, for links to schools in Namibia, India and Poland. Links to Denmark, USA and Nigeria planned.

0 Comments

Reporter 13.10.11, p1
Kent Fire Brigade propose to close retained station at Horton Kirby, but build a new station at New Ash Green to cover "higher risk" villages of New Ash Green, Meopham, Vigo and Hartley.

0 Comments

Reporter 6.10.11. p14
Sevenoaks Council give £2,500 for urgent repairs to New Ash Green Village Hall.

0 Comments

Reporter 6.10.11, p14
Hartley girl met boy band JLS following a brain tumour operation, thanks to charity Rays of Sunshine.

0 Comments

Reporter 6.10.11, p12
Milestone School Children installed flower beds etc. at Waitrose in Longfield.

0 Comments

News Shopper 3.10.11
2 sheds containing bicycles, tumble driers etc completely destroyed.

0 Comments

Reporter 29.9.11, p7
Gorsewood Road man came 2nd in Alcatraz Invitational Swim in USA.

0 Comments

Reporter 22.9.11, p14
21 year old man arrested in connection with theft of cigarettes from Longfield, Hartley and 8 other locations.
(also reported in News Shopper 27.9.11)

0 Comments

Click on link below for report

Read more • 0 Comments

News Shopper 14.9.11

Gravesend's conservative MP is happy the Gravesend seat will be largely the same as present, but local historian thinks seat should continue to be called Gravesham.

0 Comments

The boundary commission for England has publish its proposals for the new parliamentary boundaries.

The government have reduced the number of seats for the UK parliament from 650 to 600, so this has meant most boundaries are redrawn. All seats must have an electorate between 72,810 and 80,473.

Hartley is currently in Dartford constituency which is within that quota but the neighbouring seats of Gravesend and Sevenoaks are too small. To make up the numbers they propose moving Hartley and Hodsoll Street to the Gravesend. The proposals now go out for consultation.

Boundary Commission for England

0 Comments

Dartford fire brigade attend fire at Idleigh Court Road.

Reporter 4.8.11 p4

0 Comments

Councillors are claiming mileage allowances of 47p - 65p per mile which the paper says is more than private businesses can claim, and at a time when funding for minibuses for the elderly is being withdrawn. Hartley councillor defends his £1,236 claim.

Sevenoaks Chronicle 17.12.2010

0 Comments

Church Road man banned from driving for 23 months by Sevenoaks Magistrates for being over limit after crash into neighbour's fence.

Sevenoaks Chronicle 21.1.11

0 Comments

Kent Public Health Laboratory (NHS) June 2008

This report contains a lot of health statistics for our area.

Read more • 0 Comments

UK Press Gazette 25.1.11

Publisher of Kentish Times newspapers, Archant, plan to close Gravesend office and move production to Ilford. Gravesend Reporter has a circulation of 21,700, the Dartford Times 15,500. Only a minority are paid for copies.

0 Comments

The Conservatives retained all 3 council seats for the Hartley and Hodsoll Street ward. In a low key poll they got 69.8% of the poll to Labour's 30.2%, the increase in share probably due to the fact the electorate had 9 candidates to choose from in 2007.

The Conservatives made gains from Labour and Liberals elsewhere and now have nearly all the seats on the council. The position is: Conservative (47 seats), Labour (4), Liberal (2), Independent (1).

The result for Hartley and Hodsoll Street was:

Abraham (Conservative) 1,550
Gaywood (Conservative) 1.499
Ramsay (Conservative) 1,451
Swain (Labour) 650

0 Comments

The Hartley Parish Council election held on 6th May ended 8 years of "one party" rule by the self styled "Putting Hartley First" grouping, but only just. They won 12 of the 13 seats but an independent candidate did manage to get elected too. The electorate appear to have disliked Hartley First's tactics of having candidates from outside the parish, the two involved were their two lowest placed candidates. Turnout was up from 39.6% in 2007 to 47.8%.

The result was

Abraham (Putting Hartley First) 1,014
Ramsay (Putting Hartley First) 1,012
Oxtoby (Putting Hartley First) 1,002
Alford (Putting Hartley First) 981
Cole (Putting Hartley First) 976
Burns (Putting Hartley First) 963
Coates (Putting Hartley First) 953
Burchell (Putting Hartley First) 908
Graeme (Putting Hartley First) 900
Sewell (Putting Hartley First) 862
Glander (Putting Hartley First) 775
Fernley (Independent) 766
Horwood (Putting Hartley First) 760
Chick (100% Hartley) 681
Britton (100% Hartley) 671
Swain jun. (100% Hartley) 652
Fowler (100% Hartley) 644
Shipston (Independent) 631
Swain sen. (100% Hartley) 622
Minns (Putting Hartley First) 622

Spoiled papers 34 (3 - too many crosses, 31 blank or uncertain)

0 Comments

Figures from Kent County Council show that Hartley (Springcroft) and Longfield both have 1 streetparty each. With more than 180 approved, Kent has more street parties than any other county. KCC waived the usual fee for a road closure which is £75 or £850, depending on the type applied for.

0 Comments

Arriva announce some changes to our local buses from Sunday 8th May:

423 - will no longer run between Dartford and Swanley, but otherwise service from New Ash Green will be similar. The good news is that many buses have been retimed to better connect with trains at Longfield Station.

489 - some buses retimed.

See Arriva Press Release

0 Comments

Reporter 14.4.11, p12

Dartford Police Station in Instone Road closes after 40 years, replaced with contact point in Dartford Council Offices (picture)

0 Comments

The Reporter 14.4.11 p 26
Eleven year old girl from Longfield wins silver medal at British Artistic Roller Skating Championships.

0 Comments

The latest rail usage figures show the number of passengers at Longfield fell by 9% in 2009/10 from 510,000 to 465,000.

However the fall in usage at Longfield is only just above the county average of a 7.3% decline. As the largest fall in sales at Longfield is in season ticket sales, this could well be linked to the economic downturn. It is also possible that some of Ebbsfleet's 284,000 passengers may formerly have used our line.

Of the other local stations, Farningham Road showed the smallest fall at -4%, Swanley -5%, Meopham -10% and Sole Street -15%.

0 Comments

The Reporter 3.3.11 p5

Fawkham Manor Hospital's customer satisfaction survey found 537 out of 543 thought casre was good, very good or excellent.

0 Comments

The Reporter, 3.3.11, p 10

The nine buses that Sevenoaks council have axed as a cost cutting measure are to be offered to charities for the elderly. Darenth Valley Age Concern are applying for 2 but are concerned about how to pay the £80,000 per year running costs for them.

0 Comments

Dartford, Gravesham and Sevenoaks councils have announced the council tax for 2011/12. All parishes pay £1,811.93 for Kent county council, police and fire for a band F property but the district councils vary. Those in Dartford borough pay £235.30, Gravesham £239.33 but in Sevenoaks it is £262.73.

In Hartley the average property is band F, so the figures below are for that property band.

Hartley (Sevenoaks) £62.43
Ash (Sevenoaks) £37.87
Longfield (Dartford) £35.85
Fawkham (Sevenoaks) £35.29
Meopham (Gravesham) £31.69

0 Comments

The council affirm their willingness to take over the WI Hall, together with potential £20,000 to £30,000 building repair costs, but will not indemnify the current trustees from all other liabilities.

Click here for full details of the meeting.

0 Comments

As part of the new government's directive all principal councils have to publish details of payments for over £500 and these are now available for each month since August 2010 on the Sevenoaks Council website.

However the December payments (289 totalling £1.1 million) show the limitations as there is little information of what the money was spent on. 4 of the top 10 (£227,000) are payments to Kent County Council, labelled "Housing - premises and grounds".

For details see Sevenoaks Council - Payments to suppliers.

0 Comments

Massachusetts Institute of Technology - "Redrawing the Map of Great Britain from a Network of Human Interactions"

Using an anonymised database of 12 billion calls in one month, MIT found several distinct areas of the UK, based on where people are phoning. Locally they found that London extends beyond its boundaries to include most of Hertfordshire, while the bulk of Kent, Surrey and Sussex form another region. Most of the remainder of the Government's South-East region (Hants/Berks/Bucks/Oxon forms another telephone call region.

Being near London, Hartley falls in a border zone between London and Kent/Surrey/Sussex, where their influence overlaps.

0 Comments

Dartford Times 13.1.11, p10

Police seize mini motorbike at Knightscroft, New Ash Green because they had no insurance.

0 Comments

News Shopper, 17.1.11

Two drivers had to be cut from their cars after collision on Valley Road, Fawkham on 15th January.

0 Comments

News Shopper, 28 January 2011

Fire in propane cylinder at Fawkham Road, Longfield on 27th. Fire crews from Dartford (2) and Swanscombe attend.

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 9.12.10 p 8

Royal Mail plan to close their 4 sorting offices at Dartford and elsewhere and replace it with a new facility at Strood. Dartford's 5 delivery offices, including the one at Longfield, will close and relocate to the former sorting office at Dartford, probably in 2012. Royal Mail claim they will still "provide a convenient place for customers to collect post".

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 9.12.10 p 28

Commeroative plaque unveiled on new extension at All Saints' Church in memory of John Field and Peter Wilson to acknowledge their contribution. Sadly "both passed away before the translation of their dream into reality took place".

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 9.12.10 p 28

Longfield Academy donate table football to the local HAWK youth group, as many of the group attend the school.

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 6.1.11 p3

Air ambulance called to Pinden Quarry on 20 December, after 43 year old man's arm became entagled in a conveyor belt.

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 6.1.11 p1

75 year old Longfield man killed in road accident near Bluewater shopping centre on New Year's Day. His car is thought to have been hit by a jeep that was driving on the wrong side of the dual carriageway.

0 Comments

Local unemployment has fallen by a quarter since its peak in February 2010. In February there were 232 out of work and claiming benefit in the DA3 postcode area, but in November that had fallen to 165. The fall in male unemployment was more marked with a fall from 166 in February to 109 in November.

Click here for more information.

0 Comments

Dartford Times 2.12.10 p15
Picture feature on 40 year old worker at Fawkham Manor Hospital who raised £3,000 in bike ride in Cuba for Kent Air Ambulance.

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 2.12.10 p8
Hodgson Pharmacy in Longfield wins best small pharmacy award at the Alliance Healthcare Pharmacy Awards 2010.

More details of the reasons for the award are at Alliance Healthcare website.

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 2.12.10 p 5
Picture feature on Fawkham CE Primary School after good Ofsted report.

School received an "outstanding rating". For details see Ofsted report

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 25.11.10 p 4
New Ash Green rugby player allegedly attacked by fan at match at Lordswood RFC. Player sought hospital treatment. Lordswood have banned fan.

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 11.11.10 p47
Gorsewood Road man presents £12,000 to Ellenor Lions Hospice from sales of his autobiography "Believe it.. or not". (picture)

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 11.11.10 p 2

Paper has figures for the amount of rubbish recycled by local councils in Kent. Sevenoaks with 31.3% is 7th out of 13, Gravesham with 23.1% is 11th and Dartford with 22.6% is 12th.

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 18.11.10 p 14
Writer to paper calls for one-way system in Station Road, Longfield

0 Comments

Dartford Times 4.11.10 p 2
Sevenoaks Council reckon their government grant will fall by 35% over the next 4 years. They think they can save half by reorganisations and sharing services with other councils, but they propose to axe 8 minibuses for the elderly to save £333,000 per year.

0 Comments

Dartford Times 4.11.10 p19
Picture feature on fundraising day for Breast Cancer research at Fawkham Manor Hospital. £100 raised

0 Comments

As a result of the fare structure set by the last government and continued by the new one, rail fares in Kent rise by 3% above the Retail Price Index (usually the higher inflation measure). This meant an average 8.8% fare increase, which is roughly what travellers from Longfield face.

Examples:

London terminals
Peak Return - from £17.90 to £19.30 (up 7.8%)
Cheap Return - from £9.50 to £10.30 (up 8.4%)
7 day season - from £60.40 to £65.30 (up 8.1%)
Annual season - from £2,416 to £2,612 (up 8.1%)

London travelcard
7 day season - from £73.60 to £80.00 (up 8.7%)
Annual season - from £2,944 to £3,200 (up 8.7%)

Source - National Rail Website

0 Comments

News Shopper 15.9.10

Police serve "section 59" notice on anti-social motorbike rider in New Ash Green, which means it could be taken away if they are caught again.

0 Comments

News Shopper 20.9.10

£750 from monthly scheme at Waitrose in Longfield goes towards more equipment for stroke patients at Darent Valley Hospital.

0 Comments

News Shopper 1.11.10

Picture feature on course at Darenth organised by Environment Agency, led by man (47) from Main Road, Longfield.

0 Comments

Gravesend Messenger 4.11.10 p11

Plans launched for a replacement for Long Valley Hall in Longfield into a sports and leisure facility to include a floodlit all weather pitch. Thre would be more parking than at present with 87 places accessed from Green Street Green Road. Concerns expressed by neighbours in West Shaw, who would be next to the floodlit pitch, and current users, about the loss of green space.

0 Comments

Hartley and New Ash Green are part of the area of the Swanley Volunteer Bureau. The most recent report on their website is from 2008/9 annual report, but links to more recent newsletters are available.

In that year they placed 126 volunteers and had 297 volunteering opportunities. Their volunteer drivers carried out 3,365 drives - an increase of 150% on 10 years ago. New Ash Green has 7 volunteer drivers with 55 clients, and 2 befrienders with 2 clients. Hartley/Longfield has 2 volunteer drivers with 37 clients, and 3 befrienders with 3 clients.

They receive most of their funding from Kent County Council, Sevenoaks District Council and Swanley Town Council.

0 Comments

Reports of meetings for July and September are now available

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 30.9.10 p 10

Fire at house in Copse Side on 23rd September, thought to have been caused by hairdryer. Faimily alerted by alarm. Attended by 4 fire crews from Dartford (2), Thameside (1) and Horton Kirby (1).

0 Comments

Bexley Times 7 October 2010

Post Office propose to close delivery offices at Longfield, Erith, Bexley, Belvedere and Swanscombe if the Dartford delivery office closes. The Dartford office site would then become a delivery office for the whole DA postcode.

0 Comments

Dartford Times 16.9.10 p8

Picture feature of 7 staff from Fawkham Hospital given awards for a total of 411 years service.

0 Comments

Dartford Times 16.9.10 p5

After 140 years, Fawkham CE primary school has meals prepared on the premises in new £50,000 kitchen. Previously they were cooked at Hartley Primary and driven there. Picture of headmistress with 2 pupils.

0 Comments

Dartford Times 16.9.10 p4

Picture feature on the 72 year old author from Gorsewood Road, who hopes to raise £20,000 for Ellenor Hospice Charity with his autobiography "Believe it or not". Details of his many swimming achievements.

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 19.8.10 p50

Sevenoaks council have asked people not to put plastic carrier bags in the recycling bags, because no-one wants them now. They say the black sacks are not sent to landfill but are sent to Allington to be burned for electricity generation.

0 Comments

Dartford Times 26.8.10 p32 (with additional reporting)

Information relased by Sevenoaks Council show the 54 councillors claimed £250,321 in allowances last year. The basic allowance rose by 6.1% to £3,158 (for comparison the pay award for staff was 2.75%). In addition to this they can claime for "special responsibilities", as well as travel and ancilliary expenses. Only 4 councillors chose not to take the 6% increase at this time, the nearest one being one of the New Ash Green members. The member for Brasted chose not to claim for anything at all.

The total claimed by Hartley's 3 councillors was £4,373 £6,407 and £8,566.

0 Comments

Dartford Times 26.8.10 p5

Three youths given 3 years in Young Offenders Institution after admitting to robbing Martin's Newsagent in Longfield. They were caught after CCTV footage of them at Longfield Station was shown on Crimewatch. (see also Dartford Times 25.2.10)

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 12.8.10 p40

Feature on Gorsewood Road resident who swam the English Channel 50 years ago and has written an autobiography ("Believe it or not!") which has already raised £13,000 for EllenorLions Hospice.

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 12.8.10 p4

Homeowner in Longfield catches out conmen asking to see her drains. They were seen driving a black saloon car.

0 Comments

Summer 2010

Neighbourhood policing team give report:

10 incidents reported in March, half of 2009. Burglaries down from 3 to 2 over same period.

Resident nearly hit by car mounting pavement. 2 cars on pavement fined subsequently

Burglaries from sheds and garages reported. Crime prevention advice given and follow up visits to all

Anti social behaviour in Culcroft leads to more patrols there

New Ash Green man cautioned for possession of locking knife in Ash Road

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 5.8.10 p52

Picture feature on photography competition for children and parents of Hartley Primary School, New Ash Green Primary School and Our Lady of Hartley RC School.

0 Comments

Dartford Times 5.8.10 p15

Picture feature on Stephen P Gay, the new funeral director's business in Longfield.

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 22.7.10 p3

One fire engine sent to put out fire in wood off Gorsewood Road on the 20th at 9.30pm.

0 Comments

Evening Standard 30.7.2010 p 2-3

Article about the new bike hire scheme in London includes an interview and picture with a commuter from Longifeld, who travelled by bike from Victoria Station to Covent Garden.

0 Comments

The details of the local expenditure on the recent general election are available from Dartford Council offices. They show the Conservative and Labour candidates spent considerably more (they had also started the campaign some time before the election was called), and this doesn't even count the national expenditure, for example posters in Princes Road. It appears the Conservatives had more volunteers as they appear to have spent less on delivery than Labour and the Liberals. Other publicity included balloons, posters, placards and badges. The English Democrats hired a battle bus, while one candidate used a megaphone, and no prizes for guessing who spent money on costume hire!

Conservative £14,900 (incl £4,376 before election) - 207,000 leaflets
Labour £11,346 (incl £2,700 before election) - unknown no of leaflets
LibDem £2,125 - 66,000 leaflets
EngDem £4,240 - 117,000 leaflets
UKIP £1,487 - unknown no of leaflets
Independent - £3,236 - 52,000 leaflets
Fancy Dress - £350 - 1,000 leaflets

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 17.6.10, p7
Picture feature on the fete to celebrate 40th anniversary of the new Hartley Primary School.

0 Comments

Dartford Times 17.6.10 p13
Hartley beekeeper reports big increase in membership of local societies.

0 Comments

Click on "read more" below for details.

Read more • 0 Comments

News Shopper 10 March 2010

Feature on spring after cold winter, mentions lambing at Hartley Bottom Farm, where 600 have been bred this year.

0 Comments

Click on expand to see details of May's council meeting

Read more • 0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 13.5.10 p9

Lurcher dog found abandoned outside Nestledown Kennels in Fawkham in very poor condition and is now being looked after by the kennel workers. RSPCA make appeal for information (pictures)

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger, 13.5.10 p 7

Picture feature on 7th Hartley Primary school "Stars in their Eyes" event

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 13.5.10, p1

Obituary of retired civil servant (pictured) from St Mary's Way, Longfield, who was killed in a collision with a car on Wrotham Hill last week.

0 Comments

This is Kent website 25.5.10

Ash Road man fined £9,000 and £19,000 costs for 97 loads of fly tipping at Polhill

0 Comments

A big swing to the Conservatives saw Gareth Johnson of Hartley elected as MP for Dartford at about 3.30am on the 7th. Labour's vote fell sharply, and all the other parties benefitted.

The result was

Conservative 24,428 (48.8%, +7.4%)
Labour 13,800 (27.6%, -15.1%)
Liberal Democrat 7,361 (14.7%, +4.5%)
English Democrat 2,178 (4.4%, +1.8%)
UKIP 1,842 (3.7%, +0.7%)
Stephane Tindame 264 (0.5%, +0.5%)
Fancy Dress Party 207 (0.4%, +0.4%)

Rejected ballot papers 82
Turnout 65.7% (+2.5%)

Boundary changes mean the percentage change in the vote relates to what they would have got if the seat had been fought on the new boundaries in 2005.

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 22.4.10 p3

Obituary of PC Matt Williams, who grew up in New Ash Green (picture)

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 22.4.10 p6

27 year old man from Manor Drive acquitted of stabbing, after brother in law stabbed in scuffle. However he was given a 6 month suspended sentence and fined on another unrelated charge.

0 Comments

The council meeting had a very short agenda and took less than ½ hour. Public concerns continue about the rules of the graveyard and the Brambledown flats. The council are also forecasting a slight deficit for the 2009/10 financial year.

Click on read more for details.

Read more • 0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 15.4.10 p14

Picture feature on 90th birthday of resident of Russell Court nursing home at Bramblefield.

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 15.4.10 p5

After a trading standards investigation the convenience store attached to the Longfield Shell petrol station faces a review of its licence. It has set out the checks they propose to make to stop underage customers buying drink.

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 1.4.10 p12

2 more letters about the train service from Longfield, both in favour of the new services. However one says the trains have fewer seats. The other letter points out that Longfield station is very well used, and has the same number of passengers as Broadstairs.

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 1.4.10 p2

Residents at Bramblefield flats concerned as West Kent Housing Association say they will allow people as young as 45 to apply. WKHA say it is to take into consideration "demographic changes", but local Age Concern describe the decision as "baffling" when the population is ageing.

0 Comments

Dartford Times 8.4.10 p 6-7

Paper asks the candidates about themselves and their main policies:

John Adams (Lab) - Education, bringing investment to Dartford, affordable homes
Gareth Johnson (Con) - Dartford generally eg post offices, bridge tolls
Richard Palmer (UKIP) - Dartford Town Centre, Europe
Gary Rogers (Eng Dem) - Voting system, keep Dartford in Kent
James Willis (Lib) - Dartford generally, fairer proportional voting system

0 Comments

Dartford Times 8.4.10 p35

Opening of £7,500 specially designed play area for pupils with severe learning disabilities at Milestone School, New Ash Green.

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 8.4.10 p2-3

Paper asked candidates 10 questions about Dartford (including one about the paper!). Best score was Gareth Johnson with 8 followed by James Willis with 6, John Adams and Stephane Eindame with 5, and then Gary Rogers with 4.

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 25.3.10 p11

Picture feature on charity run, which featured pupils from New Ash Green Primary School.

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 25.3.10 p14
Writer from Longfield supports the new rail timetable. Suggests people from east Kent who complained about trains stopping here, should have thought about that when the railways were privatised.

0 Comments

Dartford Times 25.2.10 p 7; Dartford Messenger 25.2.10 p 3

Crime - £300 stolen from Martins Newsagent in Station Road, Longfield at 11am on the 18th, by two youths with knife and a gun. Police appeal for information.

0 Comments

Dartford Times 25.2.10 p22

English Democrats select Gary Rogers from Darenth to fight general election in Dartford. Policies include cancelling Tesco development and have leisure facilities instead, reduced tax on beer and smoking rooms in pubs.

0 Comments

Dartford Times 4.3.10 p4, 11.3.10 p27

Local Band D council tax:

Longfield (Dartford Borough) £1,439.37
Fawkham (Sevenoaks Dist) £1,459.75
Ash cum Ridley (Sevenoaks) £1,461.98
Hartley (Sevenoks District) £1,478.03

0 Comments

Dartford Times 11.3.10 p20

63 year old magistrate from Knights Croft, New Ash Green to do parachute jump to raise £1,000 for the Orpheus Centre, which gives disabled youngsters the chance to perform on stage (picture).

0 Comments

Dartford Times 11.3.10 p6

Paper interviewed 100 people in Dartford Town Centre. The results were:

Conservative 24%
Labour 14%
Others 11%
Don't Know 27%
Won't Vote 25%

0 Comments

Dartford Times 11.3.10 p 5

Dartford conservatives admit they have received money from Lord Ashcroft including £3,546 for the 2007 council elections. Labour prospective candidate said unlike ordinary hard working people he "lacks commitment" to pay full tax in the UK. Conservative prospective candidate criticises "negative" campaigning.

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 7.1.10 p 7

Picture feature on some local listed buildings, including the old victorian police station on West Hill, Dartford, Dartford Library and railings at Pennis House, Fawkham.

0 Comments

Dartford Times 7.1.10 p 38

Under the KCC (Various Roads in the District of Sevenoaks) Prohibition and Restriction of Waiting, Loading and Unloading and On-street parkign places (Amendment no 8) Order 2009, new restrictions on parking around schools at:

Hartley: Round Ash Way, Fairby Lane, Stack Lane
New Ash Green: Church Road
Fawkham: High Street

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 21.1.10 p47

Picture feature on ancient custom of blessing the apple orchard in Nine Horse Wood.

0 Comments

Subjects discussed at their 8 February meeting included:

Burial Ground - they agreed to alter their regulations regarding turfing of graves at the request of the public, but refused requests from others to allow small photos.

Salt Bins - they decided not to pay for salt for a salt bin at Parkfield, which woul have been a condition of grant money to buy one.


Click on read more below or click here for full 2010 reports

Read more • 0 Comments

Click on "read more" at end of item for details.

(11.2.10) New Ash Green knife victim speaks against restorative justice
(11.2.10) Bookies betting on Tory triumph
(18.2.10) Fire in kitchen at Nuthatch Longfield
(18.2.10) NAG woman stole patients' cash

Read more • 0 Comments

Subjects discussed included:

HAWK Youth - new meeting at the Social Club
Recycling centre - calls for its restoration at Woodland Avenue
Salt bins - calls for more in Hartley
Springcroft

Click on read more below or click here for full 2010 reports

Read more • 0 Comments

Click on the more button below for full details

Fawkham Manor Hospital celebrates 30th anniversary
Vandalism at Knightscroft, New Ash Green
John Adams selected as Labour parliamentary candidate
Pride turns to pain as soldier grandson dies
Big Tree Cider of Hartley

Read more • 0 Comments

Free weight loss programme to start in New Ash Green on 13 January for those over 18 with at least 2 stone to lose. Places limited, to apply email healthyliving@sevenoaks.gov.uk.

Dartford Times 31.12.09 p5

0 Comments

The items discussed included:
(a) Kent County Council gets praise from Audit Commission.
(b) Manor Field - meter cupboard in poor state and will need replacing
(c) Billings Hill Shaw - tree work required after tree fell on car.
(d) Burial Ground - council policy of not allowing photos on graves is claimed to be discriminatory under race relations law. Legal advice sought.
(e) Woodland Avenue - youth shelter consultation inconclusive, more time needed for consideration.
(f) Council tax - to rise 4% next year, with £5,000 spent from reserves also.
(g) War Memorial - to be insured by council after recent near miss.
(h) Northfield - lengthy discussions about soakaway to prevent surface run off
(i) Social Club - new youth project to be hosted there.

Click on link below for more details

Read more • 0 Comments

Picture feature on indie rock band The Startover, one of whose members lives in New Ash Green. More details on their Myspace webpage

0 Comments

Unnamed 16 year old from West Kingsdown sentenced by Dartford Youth Court to 24 hours youth training and ordered to pay £70 compensation for thefts of poppy collecting boxes at Longfield Fish Bar (3rd Nov) and Longfield Co-op (11th Nov).

Dartford Messenger 26.11.09 p6

0 Comments

Branch from ash tree falls on van belonging to man from Dickens Close, while walking his dog at Billings Hill Shaw, during storms the previous weekend (picture)

Sevenoaks Chronicle 19.11.09 p 3

0 Comments

Longfield and Hartley Scouts have to install metal shutters on the door to their HQ in Larkwell Lane after vandalism attack at a cost of £4,000. Police say two 16 year olds received a "final warning" for the vandalism (picture of one of the Scout groups there)

Sevenoaks Chronicle 26.11.09 p10

0 Comments

Picture feature on new book The Boy who fell down Exit 43, a new novel by 39 year old author formerly from Longfield.

(Dartford Messenger 3.12.09, p11)

The book has been reviewed twice on Amazon and both reviewers gave it 5/5.

0 Comments

There were 18 rainy days in November, resulting in over 6 inches of rain - three times the long term average, and more than cancelling out the dry months of August, September and October (these months only had about half their average rainfall). However average temperatures for November were well above average too.

For more info see the weather page.

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 19.11.09 p2

Crime: 27 year old man injured in attack by 5 teenage boys outside Dolly's Diner on Sunday 18th October. They threw unidentified liquid in his face, causing eye injury.

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 19.11.09 p2

Picture feature on road safety roadshow character Hector's visit to New Ash Green Primary School.

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 5.11.09 p 11

Picture feature on retirement of long serving shop assistant at Fairby Stores, who started on 1 April 1974. The shop manager said she had received a large number of good will messages and said "you can always rely on her... and will be missed by everyone in the village".

0 Comments

Sevenoaks Chronicle 19.11.09 p1

Sevenoaks District Council to spend £2,400 on councillors' Christmas party, after telling staff they would have to pay £20 for their own parties. Newspaper pointed out that the council also voted to increase councillor allowances by 62% earlier in the year. Councillors, including one from Hartley, shown with superimposed party hats.

This story resulted in a large postbag with 6 letters being quoted from the following week all of them critical. The leader of the Liberal Democrat group wrote to say that all Liberal councillors attending will be paying for their evening (Sevenoaks Chronicle 26.11.09 p17).

0 Comments

Dartford Times 12.11.09 p 17

Picture feature on 9 year old winner of Chief Scout's Silver Award from Hartley.

0 Comments

Dartford Times 12.11.09 p 22

Picture feature on the first turf being cut on the £26 million building project to build a new school at Longfield on the playing fields.

0 Comments

Hartley is now without a glass recycling facility after the bottle banks were removed from Woodland Avenue. It was reportedly because a firework had been placed in one.

0 Comments

Dartford Times 5.11.09 p22

Historical article about the local post service from early days. Includes a picture of Frederick Smith of Essex Road, Longfield on his last day at work in 1959, after 31 years in the job.

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 22.10.09 p7

3 hooded men hold up Threshers in Longfield at closing time on Weds 14th October, and stole £200. Police looking for silver Honda Civic Car.

0 Comments

Dartford Times 5.11.09 p 11

60th anniversary of discovery of Lullingstone Roman Villa. Hartley archaeologist (pictured), who worked on the site in 1957, interviewed.

0 Comments

Man hit by Longfield bound train at Swanley on Friday 23rd October. Police say there were no suspicious circumstances.

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 29.10.09 p39

Resident of Fairby Grange, formerly of Gresham Avenue, received medal for service at Bletchley Park 1944-45, with certificate signed by Prime Minister.

0 Comments

The November meeting lasted just 16 minutes and took no decisions. In the Public Question time we learned that some Kent council services are likely to be hit next year as they try to reduce costs. Sevenoaks council are also cutting budgets. The council was also questioned on the rules of the council cemetery next to All Saints' Church.

Click on "Read more" for full story

Read more • 0 Comments

Manager of New Ash Green Co-op wins Pride of the Cooperative award for community work and making New Ash Green the store of the year (picture).

Dartford Times 15.10.09 p 10

0 Comments

Coroner records verdict of accidental death on Mr and Mrs Purnell of Main Road, Longfield, who died in a fire on 29 December 2008. The Coroner also praised the bravery of neighbours who attempted to rescue them.

Dartford Messenger 15.10.09 p3
Dartford Times 15.10.09 p3

0 Comments

Present: Mrs Oxtoby (in the chair), Abraham, Barnett, Coates, Mrs Cole, Graeme, Minns, Ramsay, Sewell

Mrs Hoad; County Councillor Brazier and 6 members of the public.

Apologies - Cllrs Gaywood, Mrs Burns, Alford, Granger

1. Interests
Mrs Oxtoby (Hartley Wood and allotments - personal), Barnett (Allotments - prejudicial)

2. Minutes of meeting of 14 September 2009
were approved.

3. Adjournment

(a) None of the district or county councillors had anything to report.
(b) Village Green - Dr Roberts said Cllr Gaywood had given many valid reasons for making the land the council own in Hartley Wood, a village green; but shouldn't they consider their other land like Gorsewood which is more vulnerable to development? Cllr Oxtoby said they would consider this. Mrs Hoad said Hoselands Green also had village green status.
(c) Horse Riding on Northfield - Mrs Delf asked how many horse riders there were now as she hadn't seen many. 20 was the answer.

Click on "Read More" to continue.

Read more • 0 Comments

Present: Cllrs Gaywood (chairman), Abraham, Alford, Barnett, Mrs Burns, Coates, Mrs Cole, Granger, Graeme, Minns, Mrs Oxtoby, Ramsay, Sewell

Mrs Hoad; County Councillor Brazier and 6 members of the public.

1. Minutes of meeting of 13 July 2009 were approved.

2. Interests
Cllr Coates (payments), Mrs Cole (Woodland Avenue - prejudicial), Mrs Oxtoby (Hartley Wood - personal), Sewell (URC Church), Barnett (Allotments)

3. Adjournement
Kent County Council - Councillor Brazier said an electronic highway problem reporting system called "Parish Portal" is beginning to be rolled out. He thinks it will be very useful but there is just one problem - it doesn't work yet! Cllr Abraham asked him what about the request for salt bins in Hartley, he replied nothing can be done at present because of a wider review.

Sevenoaks District Council - Cllr Ramsay said the council owe £30 million to the local government pension scheme, and were a bit surprised when the government told them the scheme need only be 80% funded. Cllr Abraham said only one new site for housing in Hartley has been approved between now and 2026.

Data Controller - Mr Mayer asked who the council's data controller. They weren't entirely sure but thought it must be the clerk.
Village Design Statements - Mr Mayer also raised concerns that Sevenoaks council now say they are only informal guidance.

Click read more to continue

Read more • 0 Comments

There are now 227 people unemployed in the DA3 post area, a rise of 10 from July. However the figure is well below the 650 it rose to in the last recession of 1993.

Click here for more details.

0 Comments

Mother from Knightscroft, New Ash Green, who drowned her 11 year old son and attempted suicide, is sentenced to be detained indefinitely under the Mental Health Act, after pleading guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. The judge said there was no doubt she deeply loved her son, but became depressed due to financial pressures.

The case has led to calls from Credit Action for more action to protect mentally vulnerable debtors.

Evening Standard 2.10.09 p1
Dartford Messenger 8.10.09 p1 and 3
Dartford Times 8.10.09 p1

Letters to Dartford Times (15.10.09) sympathise with the plight of those in debt and the mentally ill.

0 Comments

Dartford Coroner records verdict of death due to industrial disease of asbestosis on Tom Martin, a retired carpenter from Hartley.

Dartford Times 1.10.09 p 45

0 Comments

Generous tributes paid to Richard Bartlett of Longfield Hill (38, pictured), who died while competing in the Isle of Man TT races.

Dartford Messenger 1.10.09 p 9 (and 24.9.09)

Funeral (pictured) Dartford Messenger 8.10.09 p 7; Dartford Times 8.10.09, p54

0 Comments

Police make 4 arrests in Longfield and West Kingsdown after being alerted to attempted break in of car at Over Minnis, New Ash Green.

Dartford Messenger 13.8.09 p3

0 Comments

Cars damaged on night of the 18th at Millfield and Ayelands, mostly broken wing mirrors and dents.

Dartford Messenger 24.9.09 p 11

0 Comments

Guides collect 6,500 Sainsbury's tokens to get 2 tents and a basketball ring for the group.

Dartford Messenger 13.8.09 p13

0 Comments

Picture feature on coffee morning held at Jubilee Hall, Longfield.

Dartford Messenger 13.8.09 p 11

0 Comments

A report made by Creative Environmental Networks for Sevenoaks Council in 2004 found that there was room for improvement in Hartley and Hodsoll Street with the ward well down the list of those with cavity wall and loft insulation.

Read more • 0 Comments

Building work has begun to extend All Saints' Church. The first turf was cut by the rector and the widows of two of the guiding lights behind the project.

Dartford Messenger 3.9.09, p14

0 Comments

Attempt to gain access to home in Longfield by man pretending to be from the Ellenor hospice. Charity says they don't make calls without an appointment.

Dartford Messenger 3.9.09 p2

0 Comments

Dartford fire brigade called to fire in field at Fawkham Road, Fawkham on the 23rd.

Dartford Messenger 27.8.09 p 5

0 Comments

In their July - September report Hartley's PCSO said they had run crime reduction events at Gorsewood Road and Springcroft. They offered security marking and anti-tamper screws for number plates. More are planned (Hartley Parish Council newsletter Sept 2009).

They have also dealt with anti-social behaviour at Culcroft where youths were reported to be throwing litter into people's gardens. And following complaints of speeding on Ash Road, have issued 10 fixed penalty tickets and one summons to court.

Link to Hartley and Hodsoll Street Neighbourhood policing page

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 20.8.09, p 3

Police promise to target speeding and anti-social behaviour in New Ash Green.

2 cars reported burnt out in Hanover Place.

0 Comments

Dartford Times 20.8.09 p 10

Hartley's MP, Dr Stoate, speaks up for the NHS after a SE England Conservative euro MP attacked the NHS in America. He said "The NHS is all about freeing people from the fear of health care. If they ar in trouble with their health, the NHS is there for them. You don't have to be frightened about being ill in this country".

Meanwhile the Dartford prospective Conservative candidate, Gareth Johnson, from Hartley, calls for the NHS to spend more on IVF treatment (Dartford Times 20.8.09 p 14).

0 Comments

Community Safety in Hartley and Hodsoll Street (Spring 2009)

Local Police newsletter reports priority is to tackle speeding on Ash Road, because concerns have been raised by locals and accidents on the road.

They have also spoken to a group of young people at the Northfield "bomb hole", who agreed to tidy up the site, but said they just wanted a place to meet.

They report success in convicting a juvenile for a burglary in Penenden, after they were identified from CCTV footage.

0 Comments

Nearly 3½ inches of rain fell in July compared with the average of 1½ inches. The wettest day was the 7th when 1¼ inches fell, much of it in one torrential downpour. Temperatures were only a little below seasonal average though.

See weather page

0 Comments

Dartford Times 16.7.09 pages 1-3

Former Hartley resident shares in lottery jackpot. She and her hussband survived an avalanche tragedy in Scotland in 1998.

0 Comments

Longstanding Hartley motorspares business The Gearbox now has its own webpage at www.the-gearbox.co.uk

0 Comments

Dartford Times 6.8.09 page 5
Dartford Messenger 6.8.09 page 2

Takeaway delivery driver from Longfield robbed at gunpoint at Capelands, New Ash Green.

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 30 July 2009, p2

Following burglary on 20 April when a householder in Church Road was attacked by 2 burglars, one of the assailants from Pitfield was sentenced to 3 years and 4 months prison.

0 Comments

News Shopper
Dartford Messenger 16.7.09, p2.

£10,000 of damage done to Scout Hut in Larkwell Lane by vandals who broke in on night of Friday 10th July.

Dartford Messenger 20.8.09 p14
Police make two arrests in connection with this crime.

0 Comments

Hartley Country Club team set new Kent League record by scoring 540 for one in just 55 overs, winning their match against Gore Court by 340 runs.

Dartford Messenger 9.7.09, p15

0 Comments

1st New Barn Cubs win 2009 Kent County Challenge, Longfield and Hartley Forest were 6th. (Picture).

Dartford Messenger 9.7.09, p11

0 Comments

Picture feature on New Ash Green Village Day.

Dartford Messenger 9.7.09, p9.

0 Comments

4 cases of swine flu reported locally in Dartford/Gravesham area.

Dartford Messenger 9 July 2009, p6

0 Comments

New Club founded with inaugural meeting to be held at the Black Lion on 7 July, 8.30pm.

Dartford Messenger 2.7.09, p 16

0 Comments

Thefts from Newsagent in Longfield (£7,000 of cigarettes) on 20 June, and Fairby Stores, Hartley (£4,000 of cigarettes and spirits) on 9 June.

Dartford Messenger 2.7.09, p 5

0 Comments

Open verdict at inquest on Jean Judson of Main Road, Longfield, who died after falling onto the railway between Longfield and Meopham on 13 February 2008. Coroner heard fencing was due to be repaired.

Dartford Messenger 2.7.09, p 5

See earlier article 21.2.2008

0 Comments

After a generally cool start to the month, June ended with temperatures 10 degrees (F) above the seasonal average. However overall it was only slightly warmer. It looked like it would be a very dry month until half an inch fell in one thunderstorm on the 27th.

See Weather Report.

0 Comments

Article about how "cryotherapy" - freezing of the tumour, is helping to fight cancer. Darent Valley is one of the few hospitals in the country to offer it. At the moment they only hire the equipment, but hospital is trying to raise £95,000 to buy one so they can treat more. Interview with the surgeon who lives in Hartley.

News Shopper 12 June 2009

0 Comments

Charlotte Edwards, captain of England and the Hartley Invicta Cricket Team awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.

Dartford Messenger 25.6.09 p 13

0 Comments

Picture feature on the garden at Reod-Leah, Larksfield, which was opened to raise money for the Ellenor Lions Hospice.

Dartford Messenger 25.6.09 p11

0 Comments

Our MP, Dr Howard Stoate, praises the Hartley Village Design Statement, which was written by a team of local volunteers, saying "it's constructive and forward looking. It recognises the community is evolving and talks about how to manage the change so that Hartley's distinctive feel and look is enhanced".

Dartford Messenger 28.5.09 p12

0 Comments

Picture feature on St Francis de Sales RC Church fete on May 25th, which raised £6,548.

Dartford Messenger 28.5.09 p10

0 Comments

Annual door to door collection in Hartley for the charity raised £1,253.

Dartford Messenger 11.6.09

0 Comments

Writer to the paper says that following the village green designation, Southwark has little control over the use of the wood, but has to pay for maintenance and public liability. They ask whether Hartley Council would like that if the boot was on the other foot?

Dartford Messenger 11.6.09 page 10

0 Comments

Picture feature on sponsored horse ride at Speedgate Farm, Fawkham for Cancer Research UK.

Dartford Messenger 11.6.09 p 7

0 Comments

Mother from Knightscroft's guilty plea to manslaughter by diminished reponsibility accepted by Crown. Her son was found drowned on 2 December 2008.

Dartford Messenger 11.6.09 pages 1 and 3

0 Comments

The South East region that Hartley is in returned 4 Conservative, 2 UKIP, 2 Liberal Democrat, 1 Green and 1 Labour MEPs.

The result shows at a local level the disenchantment with the main parties with Conservative, Liberal Democrats and Labour all losing ground. Labour in particular did badly with their share of the vote falling from 11% to 7%.

It shows the staggering fall in support for the two main parties - in 1945 Conservative and Labour had 82% of the vote in Sevenoaks, this time it was only 45%.

The main beneficiaries were the English Democrats (+4.0%) and the Greens (+3.3%). The English Democrats scored more than twice their average for the South East here, no doubt because they are well organised in the Dartford area.

Click on "read more" below for the full results for the Sevenoaks District counting area.

Read more • 0 Comments

Unemployment in the DA3 postcode area was 205 in April, compared with 204 in March.

Unemployment was highest in the 20-24 age group which accounts for 20% of the total. A third have been unemployed over 13 weeks.

0 Comments

Some of the items discussed were:

Hartley Wood
Hoselands Hill
Icelandic Banks
Northfield - surface water runoff
Parish Plan
Sevenoaks Councillors - 62% increase in allowances
WI Hall
Youth - grafiti project and In the Zone summer project

More details under "Full Story" below

Read more • 0 Comments

Temperatures in May were above the seasonal average, helped by a warm end to the month. However rainfall was half the usual amount for May.

See Weather Report.

0 Comments

Conservative David Brazier was returned by the electors of Sevenoaks North East with an increased majority. The editor of this site only received Mr Brazier's leaflet, so this may indicate the other parties did not campaign as hard. The most startling result is the vote for the English Democrats, who came 2nd with a big increase in the vote may have benefitted from the disenchantment with the major parties at present. Overall the Conservatives how hold 74 of the 84 seats on the county council, the Liberal Democrats have 7, Labour 2 and the Swanscombe residents association 1.

David Brazier (Conservative) 2,885 (55.6% - up 4.4% on last election)
Louise Uncles (English Democrat) 1,091 (21% - up 16.7%)
Philip Hobson (Liberal Democrat) 697 (13.4% - down 0.6%)
James Weekes (Labour) 518 (10.0% - down 9.4%)

0 Comments

The Hartley by-election was won by Robert Coates from the "Putting Hartley First" group, ensuring that they continue to hold every seat on the council. His platform was to support their policies. Independent Jerry Swain had promised to freeze council tax this year and improve youth facilities.

Result:
Robert Coates 1162 (69%)
Jerry Swain 514 (31%)

There were 38 spoiled ballots (37 blank or uncertain, 1 voting for both candidates) and turnout was 39%.

0 Comments

Local Arriva bus fares were increased from 1 June. Most single fares increased by 10p and returns by 20p. This means the fare from Longfield to most of Hartley rises from £1.70 to £1.80

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 21.5.09 p9

Feature on the designation of the part of Hartley Wood owned by Southwark Council as a village green. Picture of residents in another part of the wood included.

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 7.5.09 p 7

Picture feature on New Ash Green Primary Schools health campaign.

0 Comments

Dartford Times 21.5.09 p9

Writer says when they moved to Hartley in 1965, the Dartford Tunnel toll was 26p and suggests people use the Woolwich ferry instead.

0 Comments

Dartford Times 21.5.09 p 13

Picture feature on visit of Kent County Commissioner to Forest Pack of Longfield and Hartley Cubs

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 7.5.09 p 6

Locals say that New Ash Green shopping centre is slowly falling apart and developers have suspended regeneration plans because of the recession. Only the Co-op have carried out the repairs demanded by the council (at a cost of £420,000) and the council is considering serving enforcement notices on the other landowners there.

Dartford Messenger 14.5.09 p 14

Writer to paper calls for enforcement action to be taken against the landlord of part of the New Ash Green Shopping Centre

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 14.5.09 p 7

Picture feature on Hartley Primary School's 6th Stars in their Eyes show.

0 Comments

Family Tree Magazine April 2009

The great-great-great-great-great-granddaugher of Richard Treadwell of Fairby Farm, Hartley, writes about her ancestors the Treadwells and Fairby Grange. She shows how you can use sources available via library access such as the Times online and the Dictionary of National Biography.

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 30.4.09 p 14

A writer to the paper complains the council have allowed the floodlit games area to open until 11pm. While not against the school, they think this is unreasonable.

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 30.4.09 p11

Biggest Longfield festival yet promised with morris men, brass band, dog show, vintage car display, belly dancers and a tug of war competition.

For details see the parish council website

0 Comments

Southeastern trains have published their draft timetable for when the high speed domestic trains begin in December. They have reduced the number of trains travelling to Victoria, but because they now plan to stop the fast trains at Longfield and Meopham, we will have more trains than before.

* There will now be 3 trains an hour off peak to London (2 fast, 1 slow)
* There will be 2 trains an hour in the evening instead of 1 as now
* The last train will be almost an hour later at 00.35
* There will still be only 1 train an hour on Sundays.

For more details see Southeastern website

0 Comments

The total unemployed in Hartley, Longfield and New Ash Green rose from 188 in February to 204 in March.

For more details see background information page

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 23.4.09, p9

Eight garages burgled at Caling Croft, New Ash Green in one night.

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 23.4.09, p6

Glovers Farm shop at Hartley Bottom wins prestigious award for bacon at BPEX butcher roadshow (picture)

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 23.4.09, p4

Local residents and a nursing home raise concerns about the floodlit sports pitches planned for the rebuilt Longfield Academy, which will be open until 11pm. As well as a new school, the proposals include 104 large houses, 23 smaller houses and 22 flats.

0 Comments

This is Kent website 11.2.09

15 year old boy arrested after allegedly running from stolen car which the police had pursued from Ash Road on Saturday at 10.45pm.

0 Comments

This is Kent Website, 25.2.09

Arriva say although New Ash Green is in Sevenoaks district, there is no demand for a bus service to Sevenoaks, as compared with Longfield, Gravesend, Bluewater and Dartford. The sparsely populated areas in between further make it uneconomic.

0 Comments

Dartford Times 15.4.09

Resident found stray cat in her airing cupboard giving birth to a massive 9 kittens. Interview and picture of Animal Samaritans volunteers from Gresham Avenue and Church Road, who are trying to rehouse them.

0 Comments

The meeting discussed the following issues, listed in detail under full story:

(1) Amenities and Open Spaces
(2) Burial Ground
(3) Communications
(4) Highways

It also approved payments for March of £9,533.

Read more • 0 Comments

To follow...

0 Comments

To follow...

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 2.4.09, p13, 18

Picture feature on sponsored walk by Longfield and Hartley Scouts to raise money for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Meanwhile Hartley guides raised £200 for Comic Relief.

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 2.4.09, p2

Police in Wales and Kent are looking at similarities between two unsolved murders in Fawkham and Swansea within 2 weeks of each other in 1946 (article includes archive photos)

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger (26.2.09, p3)
Local paper uses freedom of information to find that in Dartford and Gravesham schools, which includes Longfield Academy, while the number of exclusions from school has fallen in 2007/8 to 1,820 the number of days of exclusions has increased. Top reasons for exclusions are assault or verbal abuse of staff and pupils, follwed by persistent disrputive behaviour.

0 Comments

Thanks to a freedom of information request, Kent Fire Brigade have released local statistics on incidents in 2008. The figures in the full article below are for the 3 neighbouring council wards. They show considerable difference even in a comparitively small area, particularly in response times.

Meanwhile the local Liberal Democrats claim Horton Kirby retained station with 14 fire fighters may have to close if the EU working time directive is implemented in the UK (Dartford Messenger 16.4.09, p9)

Read more • 0 Comments

The number of unemployed and claiming benefit in the DA3 postal area (Hartley, Longfield and New Ash Green) rose from 161 to 188 in February, which is 2½ times higher than February last year.

Further details

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 19.3.09 p6

Longifield and Hartley Scouts win several competitions in the Swanley District Swimming Gala (picture of one of the winners from Longfield)

0 Comments

8 March 2009
EDF reported a power cut in the Longfield area from 7pm to 8.50pm due to problems with underground cabling.

0 Comments

Sevenoaks Council are consulting until 12 March on new rules for extensions to houses. This will affect householders' chances of getting planning permission for years to come, so it is important to be aware of them.

For more details see article and link to the consultation site.

0 Comments

Dartford Times 28.1.2009

One of the founders of the Family Matters Counselling Charity in Gravesend, who lives at Cheyne Walk, Bramblefield, invited to Buckingham Palace Garden Party (picture)

0 Comments

Dartford Times 25.2.2009

Builder who was sentanced to 8 years 4 months for conspiracy to defraud has jail term reduced by Court of Appeal to 7½ years. Victims in period 2003-7 included people in Hartley.

0 Comments

Dartford Times 18.2.2009

Van blaze at Northfield at 7.15pm on Sunday 15th attended by Dartford Fire Brigade.

0 Comments

Items discussed:

Fidelity Guarantee
WI Hall
Hartley Library
Parish Office
Accounts 2006/7

Read more • 0 Comments

Dartford Times 18.2.2009

BBC Website 23 February 2009

Hartley woman (pictured) aims to raise £650,000 for a memorial to the victims of the Bethnal Green tube disaster in 1943, when 173 people were crushed to death. Her mother was one of the survivors but lived with the pain all her life.

0 Comments

Householders in the former Mid-Kent water area, which includes Hartley, will see water charges rise by 7.9% this year - the biggest increase in England and Wales. The average increase for houses paying by water rate will be even higher at 9.5%, those on water meters will see an average rise of 7.4%

According to the industry regulator, Ofwat, South East Water can raise prices this year by inflation (3%), plus 2.7%, plus "unused price limit" of 2.53%.

More details of the new charges is at: Ofwat - South East Charges for 2009-10

0 Comments

Unemployment in the DA3 postcode area (Longfield, Hartley and New Ash Green) rose from 134 in December to 161 in January. This means the number has doubled in 6 months and stands at the highest level since 1999.

For details see http://www.hartley-kent.org.uk/info/unemployment.htm

0 Comments

There were only about 43 house sales in Hartley in 2008, down from the 81 of 2007. The historic average is about 74 sales a year. Most expensive was a house in Ash Road for £695,000. The most inexpensive was a flat in Pitfield which sold for £60,375.

For more information see http://www.zoopla.co.uk/

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 12.2.09 pae 16

Picture feature of Cake Sale at Fawkham Manor Hospital, that raised £300 for Beating Bowel Cancer

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 12.2.09, page 13

Meals on Wheels delivery driver from The Mead, New Ash Green, praised by his employers making sure the meals got through in the snow (picture)

0 Comments

BBC website 2 February 2009

Power Cut Causes big freeze (Dartford Messenger 5.2.09 page 3)

Fault on overhead powerline thought to be caused by lightning led to power cut in Longfield and New Barn Area at about 8pm on Sunday evening. Power was restored to 418 customers until Monday morning but 270 had to wait to the afternoon. Interview with residents from Larksfield.

0 Comments

(2 February 2009)

Heavy snowfall of around 8 inches has blanketed the local area. Heavy falls on Sunday afternoon (1st Feb) were followed by prolonged snow showers during daylight hours.

The area was further hit by blackouts on Sunday evening. Parts of south Hartley lost power after thunder at about 7.45pm. The centre of the village followed with loss of power between 10.45pm and 12.15am.

No rail services ran from Longfield all day Monday, and Monday's rubbish collection was cancelled. Many local schools closed, although Hartley Primary School did open for the morning.

Read more • 0 Comments

(2.2.09) Sevenoaks council are running a consultation on the "Local Development Core Strategy". It may not sound very interesting, but it
will affect planning decisions for the next 17 years, which could affect us all. So have your say now!

Read more here

Read more • 0 Comments

Rochester Link February 2009 page 8
Obituary of John Field, aged 76. He moved to Hartley in 1969 to be head of Northfleet Grammar School for Boys. He became Director of Reader Training for Rochester Diocese in 1988 and National Moderator for Reader Training in 1996. He was one of the first laymen to be a canon of the Cathedral. In spite of his illness, he worked tirelessly for the parish, and led the fundraising effort to raise money for much needed improvements to All Saints' Church.

See also "Popular Headmaster loses cancer battle" Dartford Times 28.1.2009

For more information see the Church website at
http://www.fawkhamandhartley.org.uk/

0 Comments

Gravesend Messenger 22.1.09 (page 16)

Woodland Avenue resident introduces new outdoor exercise programme at Dartford Central Park on Saturdays.

For more details see www.markonefitness.co.uk

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 15.1.09 (page 16)

Picture feature on the Longfield WI Country Market, which is held every Friday in the Longfield and New Barn Community Hall.

For details see their website at
http://www.longfieldcountrymarket.co.uk/

0 Comments

Unemployment in the DA3 postcode area rose from 120 in November to 134 in December, meaning it has doubled in 6 months.

For further information see
http://www.hartley-kent.org.uk/info/unemployment.htm

0 Comments

Dartford Messenger 29.1.08, p3
Dartford Times 29.1.09, p8

Washing machine catches fire in Ash Road, Hartley on the 24th. Mother evacuated her children from house, praised by Dartford fire brigade.

0 Comments

The meeting discussed the following items (see full story for details)

Ash Road - Hartley signs
Buses
Cherry Trees - parking
Church Road - surface water run off
Springcroft - flooding

Read more • 0 Comments

The secretary of the Copperfield Clogs says Morris Dancing is in danger of dying out, but spokesman for Frog Island Morris, based in Hartley, says it is not a problem, although they don't get many young new members.

(Dartford Times 8.1.09, p2)

0 Comments