We are aware of a number of issues involving footpaths around the village including the Public Right of Way leading from Church Hill to Scotland Common which is blocked by trees that have been cut down. This issue is currently being investigated by the Dover District Council Tree Officer and it is understood that the Police are involved.
We have also asked for the path leading from Lower Road up to Church Hill to have the vegetation that is growing across the pathway cut-back as it is potentially dangerous for the many children that use the path to get to the Primary School. Kent County Council have advised that they can only afford to cut the vegetation twice a year, however they will try to bring forward the next planned work.
On a more positive note, DDC have very recently advised that Stagecoach's Insurance company have now accepted the claim for the re-instatement of the Bus Shelter close to Lorna's Hairdressers; it is hoped that the replacement shelter will be in place before the poorer weather arrives in the Autumn. Our thanks to the Dover Society and several local residents for assisting the Parish Council in putting pressure on DDC to get this Bus Shelter replaced.
We now have two people interested in taking on the role of Parish Clerk, and we intend to arrange a meeting with the applicants in early June, so if anybody else has an interest in the job which involves working from home for 12 hours per week, please contact the current Parish Clerk by the 5th of June.
Congratulations to Temple Ewell News for being awarded a Kent Association of Local Council's 2026 Community Award for their 25 years excellent service to our Parish, and also to Branching Out for winning the DDC REACH (Recognising Environmental & Community Heroes) Project of the Year Award.
Lastly, within the next few weeks we should hear the Government's decision regarding the number and location of the new Unitary Authorities which will replace Kent County Council and the District Councils across Kent. It is likely that Dover will be merged with Thanet, Canterbury and probably Folkestone & Hythe; the impact on the District and on Town & Parish Councils is also currently unknown.
Dr. Michael Parks
Chairman
Temple Ewell Parish Council