1. Surface Water Drainage and Sewerage Disposal Problems

These two problems continue to occur occasionally but when they occur they cause great inconvenience to the properties affected. The main sewer pipes were laid in the village in the mid 1960's when the development of New Ash Green was in its infancy. This overstretched facility is known to causes problems in the Hartley Hill area, Hartley Wood and Cherry Trees. There may be other areas. Surface water has been a problem in Springcroft. It is hoped that Sevenoaks District Council has solved this problem!

Flooding in Springcroft

2. Litter and Vandalism

Litter and Vandalism continues to be a problem in the village. Graffiti is appearing on several sites including post boxes. There is much rubbish dumped in Gorsewood. The shops at Cherry Trees are a magnet for rubbish and graffiti.

At the back of the shops at Cherry Trees

Graffiti on a post box at Hoselands Green (this is just one example)

3. Traffic on Ash Road

Ever since New Ash Green was built traffic on Ash Road has been a problem. The volume and speed of the vehicles is far greater than the design of the road. Road accident statistics show that whilst there are few accidents on the part south of St John's Lane, there is a great concentration of accidents on Hoselands Hill and near the junction with Church Road. The fatal accident in the middle of the steep part of the hill is a case in point. However, all road safety measures implemented have failed to improve matters. The volume of traffic continues to grow.

4. Unsightly Places

Hartley has a number of unsightly places. One example is the corner of Ash Road with Round Ash Way. Hear an unsightly collection of street lighting, GPO poles and rotten fencing conceal one of Hartley's most beautiful buildings!

5. The provision of Bus Services

Buses in the Hartley area are provided by Arriva (423 and 489 services) and Kent County Council (K14, K15 and the little known K16).