Welcome to our Summer Newsletter and to all new residents of Badgers Mount – we hope to see you all at our forthcoming Garden Party (details below).

COMMITTEE NEWS

At our AGM on 11th May, the existing committee was re-elected, but no new members were forthcoming. This means that we are still at least one member short according to our Constitution. Particularly there are no representatives from Crest Close or the southern part of Old London Road.

In accordance with the revision to the Constitution made 2 years ago, Gordon Plumb must stand down from the Chairman's roll at the 2007 AGM. Therefore we need someone who is prepared to take on this vital position next year. It would be desirable to have been on the committee before taking over to know what we do. If you would like to volunteer to be co-opted onto the committee, please contact us (see below).

OLD TIME MUSIC EVENING

The Old Time Music Hall entertainment evening was greatly enjoyed by those who attended. We hope to hold another of these events next year.

SUMMER GARDEN PARTY

Our Summer Garden Party will be held from 2pm to 6pm on Saturday 22nd July at Oaklea, Highland Road – this is located off the track into the woods from Badgers Road and will be signposted on the day. However, if you are unsure please contact us or check out the ‘House Locator’ page on our website. Tea, coffee, soft drinks, cakes, biscuits etc will be served. Any donations of cakes will be gratefully received on the day at Oaklea (a.m. preferably). There is no charge for this event but to gauge likely attendance for catering purposes please contact us, and also let us know if you will be bringing a cake. All residents (adults and children alike) are welcome to explore this large garden which includes a tree house, swings, a croquet lawn and a tennis court but please bring own tennis rackets and balls. Parking is extremely limited so please walk if you are able.

The Shoreham & District Historical Society have produced a ‘Shoreham at War’ book, and each house in the Parish of Shoreham can have a free copy. A number of residents have asked how they can obtain a copy and the Society have agreed to come to our Summer Garden Party, between 2 and 4pm, so come early to get your copy. Additional copies can be purchased and other historical pamphlets will also be on sale. If it is impossible for you to come along these can be obtained by telephoning 01959 522835, or see the item in the Shoreham Post.

FOOTPATHS

A group of residents recently assisted the KCC footpaths officer to clear the cut down trees and garden waste which had been dumped along the footpath between Milton Avenue and Highland Road. Letters have been sent to all nearby residents pointing out that dumping is an offence which could result in a fine of up to £1000.

Shoreham Parish Council has agreed to strim the edges of this footpath when necessary between the annual cut by KCC to keep it in better condition. Sadly, the day after the clearing took place there were at least 3 lots of dogs’ excrement close to the path. This could result in the strimming contractor refusing to do the verges as happened last year. We would remind you yet again that you could receive a £50 on the spot fine for failing to clear up after your dog.

Please remember that these offences and penalties apply to ALL areas, not only to this footpath.

BONFIRES/SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Now that summer has arrived, please remember to think about your neighbours when carrying out potentially annoying activities, particularly playing loud music in the garden or when lighting bonfires. Your neighbours won’t want to have to close windows on hot days to keep your music or bonfire smoke and ash out. Over the last few weeks we have received complaints of large bonfires that have burned for long periods causing severe pollution, both day and night, and which caused considerable concern to neighbours that these could easily get out of control.

The Sevenoaks District Council website includes the following on bonfires:

• You are not entitled to cause a nuisance by having a bonfire.
• Your neighbours are entitled to enjoy their homes and gardens.
• It is an offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to cause a nuisance by burning rubbish.

If the problem persists, contact environmental.protection@sevenoaks.gov.uk or telephone 01732 227000 for more information.

PLANNING ISSUES

There have been several recent planning applications to replace existing homes with multiple dwellings as follows:

• Badgers Oak & Cherry Trees, Orpington By-Pass – separate applications propose replacing each of these adjacent bungalows with two 5 bedroom houses.
• Springfield, Highland Road – a proposal to replace this bungalow with five 3 storey, 5 bedroom ‘town houses’.

We have objected to these applications because of the strain on existing services, poor access to the sites and overdevelopment.

Several other applications have been made for extensions, garages, conservatories etc. which have not been objected to by the Association.

POLICE SURGERY

The next Surgery will take place on THURSDAY, 6TH JULY between 11 am and 12 noon as part of the Coffee Morning in the Memorial Hall. If you have any concerns that you wish to raise please come along.

CONTACT DETAILS

Gordon Plumb – 534279
Tracey McCartney – 534471