Reduce speed limit to 20mph in Otford say villagers in traffic management consultation

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT CONSULTATION. The results of the Public Consultation on the Traffic Management Proposals are now available. Over 51% of households in Otford completed the Traffic questionnaire which in survey terms is extremely high.

The results show significant support for slowing traffic speeds in the village with the vast majority of Otford respondents, 87%, agreeing that slowing traffic speed would be beneficial and 78% believing that 20mph is the appropriate speed for some roads (High St. 87%, Station Road 67%, Pilgrims Way East 62%, Pilgrims Way West 47%, Sevenoaks Road 42% and Shoreham Road 39%). A similar pattern of results was shown by non-residents (shops, businesses, village schools, clubs and societies). The proposed traffic calming measures have also been popular with five out of the eight measures seeking support by more than 50% of respondents; the speed tables were the most popular measure at 68%.

At the Parish Council meeting in January, councilors voted to take the traffic proposals forward and to fund the appointment of a traffic consultant to prepare drawings to be presented to Kent Highways for their approval. This is the first big step in the process and represents a significant investment and commitment by the Parish Council in the process to implement the traffic proposals.

To view the full set of results and graphs for each road and traffic measure visit Otford Parish Council Website at: www.otfordpc.kentparishes.gov.uk and select ‘Traffic Management’ or contact the Parish Office for a paper copy.

OTFORD GARDENERS’ SOCIETY start the new gardening year at 8pm on Tuesday, 5 February, with a Buffet Supper Evening. This will be an informal gathering in the village memorial hall and everybody is welcome to join them and see what they have in store for the coming year. More details from secretary Janet Finney 01959 523760 or email gardeners@otford.net

DANCING QUEENS. Get ready to sing along to those Abba favourites, be a super trouper and a fabulous dancing queen. The name of the game is to raise funds for the Otford-based charity Hospices of Hope. Following the fantastic success of their Greatest Showman event Hospices of Hope is delighted to announce that its next Singalong evening is Mamma Mia! Here we go Again. Certificate PG. Visit the magical Greek island of Kalokairi with them where you can laugh and love all over again. The screening is on Saturday, 2 March, at EMF Theatre, Tonbridge School. The doors open at 6.15pm, the film starts at 7pm, and the performance is due to end at 10pm.  Tickets cost £9, £7 for Concessions (Under 16 & Over 65 years) and are selling out fast.  Book your tickets by calling the box office 01732 304241.

FAIR FEAST 2019 is on Shrove Tuesday, 5 March between 7.30pm – 9.30pm. The event is held at Otford Methodist Church and consists of pancakes and other refreshments as well as a quiz, with prizes for those on the winning table. Admission is by ticket and the price is £7 (students £3.50). All ticket receipts and any donations are given to All We Can, the Methodist relief fund, that supports work in areas of great need. This year, All We Can suggests that all receipts be given for the relief of refugees, according to needs at the time the money is received by them. Tickets or tables (8 people) may be reserved by calling Glen Cable on 01732 457842 or send him an email at glen-chris.cable@sky.com but payment need not be made until the night. Although everyone will be most welcome, numbers are limited so it is first come first served. Since this year Shrove Tuesday falls within Free Trade Fortnight, refreshment ingredients and quiz prizes will consist of fairly-traded commodities where possible.

OTFORD TO SHOREHAM WALK: Tonbridge & Malling Ramblers offer two local walks at the beginning of March. On 3 Sunday, March, they will meet at 10am in Otford High Street car park, opposite The Bull, to walk the 5.5 miles from Otford to Shoreham and back. This circular walk starts with a steep climb but the views over Otford are well worth it. Dogs on short leads accepted, there will be a nibble break and a pub at the end.  Estimated finish time is 1pm. For more info contact Graham on 07716 170900 or 01732 446101.

On Wednesday, 6 March, they again meet at 10am for a 5.5 mile, moderate, circular walk around Kemsing. The walk sets off at 10.15am from Kemsing village car park for a walk over the downs, through woods and lanes via Tinkerpot Lane with lovely views. One steep climb at the start and a long climb halfway.  Dogs on short leads accepted, there will be a nibble break and a pub at the end.  Estimated finish time 12.45pm. For more info contact Andy on 07850 562527.

The Otford village news is compiled by Kay Drake. If you have any news or events you would like her to consider for the My Sevenoaks Community village column you can email her at:  drake_kay@hotmail.com