For the final iFAQ of the year, we decided to ask all 55 councillors three simple questions. In the festive spirit, we kept these questions fairly straightforward and on a positive note as we move into a new year.
Readers, a grand total of three councillors replied. As such, we now present those answers in full. They probably aren’t the three you expect either.
What is a good thing to have happened in your ward this year?
Residents banding together with myself to object to the building on Capstone Valley, despite the land owner/developer continuing to push to build on farming land which is a diminishing resource and all the concerns regarding infrastructure.
Cllr David Wildey, Conservative, Lordswood and Capstone
We have to thank Medway Council for bringing together all the people living on the Peninsula as a fighting community team as they now realise that Medway Council does not care about the people and their families trying to live their chosen rural lives on the Peninsula. That Peninsula communities are intentionally being destroyed and sacrificed for the profit of uncontrolled predatory housing developers – residents have therefore come together and will be fighting as a team and will continue to highlight the ‘SILENCE ‘ of Medway Council approving unsustainable and unhealthy new Planning Applications and damaging policies.
Cllr Roy Freshwater, UKIP, Peninsula
Nearly 50 rough sleepers, including many in this ward, have been helped into accommodation and offered other support. The Conservancy Building is being redeveloped to become a thriving public access building under the management of Nucleus Arts and the money from the sale will be invested in the Museum, Corn Exchange and Princes Hall. A new PACT group is active in Borstal. The Artisan Market is doing well, and expansion agreed. The ward is benefitting from the new station, and other investments.
Cllr Stuart Tranter, Conservative, Rochester West
What is a good thing a member of an opposition party to yours has done this year?
There has been a four year Stroke review to replace 7 Stroke unite with 3 Hyper Acute Stroke Units the members that sit on this review have all worked together to get the best result for Medway and Kent this includes 3 Conservatives and one labour member from Medway and 3 other councils represented.
Cllr David Wildey, Conservative, Lordswood and Capstone
Lots of words but sadly they have done nothing – still supporting building homes on closed Deangate golf course, no words about additional GPs needed for all people living in Medway, especially all rural areas – ignoring not fit for purpose local bus services or increasing health inequalities. For the Hoo Peninsula, no discussions taking place on the urgent need to provide emergency services road access when the main Peninsula Highway road A228 is blocked through accidents.
Cllr Roy Freshwater, UKIP, Peninsula
I was very impressed with Dan McDonald’s and Andy Stamp’s initiative ‘Danny’s Angels’ which raised £85k to support young people with cancer; the project completed this year.
Cllr Stuart Tranter, Conservative, Rochester West
Looking ahead to 2019, what is your prediction for the year ahead in Medway and for the local elections in May?
My prediction for 2019 is local elections will be held and some councillors will win and some will lose their seats, and I would like to wish all the councillors standing down my best wishes.
Cllr David Wildey, Conservative, Lordswood and Capstone
That all Peninsula communities and all Wards in Medway realise how the Conservative administrations is bad for their health – that they should choose a political candidate and party that will continue to fight for additional Council services to match the increased population and new houses being built on our precious green fields by predatory housing developers in collusion with Medway Council. The way forward is to only build on brownfield sites with promises of adequate and sustainable local services – the current ‘silence’ from Medway Council with echoes ‘ it is nothing to do with us – and blame the government’ is totally unacceptable!!!
Cllr Roy Freshwater, UKIP, Peninsula
Predictions have never been more difficult, but I agree with the ‘Kent Profile’ magazine which suggests on its front cover “The Sky is the Limit” for Medway as we build much needed homes, keep council tax low and still deliver all frontline services. Regarding the election, I have no idea! I shall just carry on doing my best for the people of this ward, and Medway.
Cllr Stuart Tranter, Conservative, Rochester West
We received no response to this iFAQ from, well, the other 52 councillors.