Swanley – Page 4 – Rt Hon Sir Michael Fallon KCB

Michael Spends a Sunny Friday in Sevenoaks and Swanley

Michael with the Mayor of Sevenoaks and representatives from Prime Place.

Last Friday, Michael spent a busy day in Sevenoaks and Swanley. He visited Amherst School in the morning, answering pupils’ questions in a special assembly, before meeting local councillors in Swanley.

In the afternoon, he joined residents and staff of Gloucester House Nursing Home in Sevenoaks to celebrate its 25th anniversary celebrations.

Michael speaking to pupils at Amherst School.

Speaking about the visit, Michael said: “I was very pleased to help the staff and residents of Gloucester House to celebrate this anniversary. Speaking to the residents, it was clear that they have happy, fulfilled lives at the home thanks to its hardworking staff. That local, tailored approach is vital and we need to replicate it as much as possible.”

After speaking to residents, he travelled to Prime Place in the heart of Sevenoaks, where he joined the Mayor of Sevenoaks, Cllr Stephen Arnold, to open the new sales and marketing suite. Commenting on the opening, Michael said: “I first visited Prime Place, Sevenoaks last year, when it was little more than a building site. It’s a pleasure to see how much progress has been made and I look forward to seeing the completed development next year.”

Michael Welcomed To Age Concern’s Refurbished Shop

Michael with Liam Curran and Trustees and staff of Rural Age Concern Darent Valley.

Last Friday Michael visited Age Concern’s charity shop in the heart of Swanley. The recently-refurbished shop supports the work of Rural Age Concern Darent Valley.

Michael is a strong supporter of the charity’s services, which include the Cottage Day Centre in Fawkham.

Michael was met by Chief Officer Liam Curran, who showed him the state-of-the-art till system that has been introduced into the shop. They were joined by local district councillor Fay Parkin and some of the charity’s Trustees.

On his latest regular day in Sevenoaks and Swanley, Michael also visited local businesses and met Chief Inspector Roscoe Walford of Kent Police to receive an update on falling crime levels in the constituency.

Michael Spends A Busy Friday in Sevenoaks and Swanley

Visiting the Swanley Therapy Centre. — Michael visiting the Swanley Therapy Centre.

Michael was in Sevenoaks and Swanley on Friday 11th March for his latest busy constituency day.

Michael with Steve Collins, Southeastern Driver Manager.

He travelled in the cab of a Southeastern train to learn more about the impact of the ongoing work at London Bridge on the services used by his constituents every day.

Following this, he spoke to pupils at Combe Bank School in Sundridge, answering questions on issues such as defence and the EU referendum.

In Swanley, he accompanied local councillor Victor Southern to the Swanley Therapy Centre, which relies on charitable donations to offer oxygen treatment to local patients. He also visited Lockdecoders, a vibrant local business run by Victor’s son Peter.

Michael being shown the latest products at Lockdecoders.

Returning to Sevenoaks, he received a tour of the latest progress at Knole House, where significant restoration work is transforming the medieval site.

Michael ended the day with his monthly advice surgery in Sevenoaks.

Remembrance Day in Swanley

Remembrance Day 2 — Michael laying a wreath at Swanley War Memorial

On Sunday, Michael was honoured to attend events for Remembrance Day in Swanley. After participating in the parade, he laid a wreath at the War Memorial before reading the poem ‘In Flanders Fields’ at a service in St. Mary’s Church.

For more photos from the day, please visit the Gallery.

All Churches Together

Two All Churches Together election hustings with all the Parliamentary Candidates have now been held – one in Hextable for the Swanley group of churches in mid-April and one last night in the United Reformed Church, St John’s Hill for the Sevenoaks Group.

Nearly 200 people attended both meetings and the candidates answered a range of questions covering Christian values, the NHS, local education, housing, foreign aid, Trident and defence, immigration, and the deficit and national debt.

St Mary’s School, Swanley

Meeting Cllr Tony Searles, and Mrs McGarrigle, Headteacher with local police officers — Meeting Cllr Tony Searles, and Mrs McGarrigle, Headteacher with local Swanley Police Officers

Michael visited the school and met Mrs McGarrigle, Headteacher together with representatives from Swanley Town Council. The school has been trying to tackle issues of antisocial behaviour coming from the recreation grounds which back onto the School. Swanley Town Council has provided funding for some CCTV cameras and helped to repair a boundary fence.

Michael said: “I was delighted to be able to return to St Mary’s School and meet Mrs McGarrigle and her team. I’m really impressed with the way the Town Council has come forward to provide support and assistance in this particular instance. The school needs reassurance that the students are in a safe and secure environment and the Town Council has been able to assist.”

Employment in Swanley

Record levels of employment in Swanley were welcomed by Michael as he hosted his second Jobs Fair in the area.

Unemployment has fallen by 50% since the last General Election; 413 people were unemployed in Swanley at that time. Today that figure is 203.

Michael said:
“It is very encouraging news that more people in Swanley now have the security of a regular wage packet. But there is more to do and 203 people still unemployed is still too high and that is why I was delighted to be able to host another Jobs Fair in Swanley this year.

“Thanks go to all the companies and organisations that provided sponsorship, support and participation. I am also grateful to Swanley Town Council for its generous support.”

Chipping In To Tackle Stray Dog Problem

Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity was delighted to be able to welcome Michael to a micro-chipping event in his constituency on Friday 27^th June.

The event, held outside the West Kent Offices in Swanley was a great success, with local residents encouraged to bring their four legged friends along to take advantage of the free micro-chipping service on offer. A total of 27 dogs were chipped on the day while Dogs Trust representatives were also on hand to offer advice and answer any general queries about responsible dog ownership, reminding dog owners of the importance of keeping their microchip database details up to date.

With microchipping set to become compulsory for all dogs in England in 2016, roving teams of Dogs Trust representatives are touring the country in a bid to help promote responsible dog ownership and educate the public on the benefits of compulsory microchipping. Michael Fallon MP was able to talk with members of his constituency and discuss their views on the issue while learning just how vital compulsory micro-chipping is in reuniting stray dogs with their owners, deterring dog theft and as a measure to reduce puppy farming.

Michael said: “I was delighted to be invited to attend this micro-chipping event in my constituency. It was a wonderful opportunity to see the work of Dogs Trust first hand and to learn just how significant micro-chipping can be in helping return lost or stray dogs to their owners. I support the work of Dogs Trust and believe that compulsory micro-chipping is a major step forward in dog welfare, not least for the part it will play in reducing the stray dog population in years to come. I urge local dog owners to take advantage of this simple and effective tool before it becomes compulsory in 2016.”

Dogs Trust is the UK’s largest dog welfare charity. They have eighteen re-homing centres across the UK and one in Ireland, and invest substantial resources in information services and education on responsible dog ownership.

Swanley Street Lighting

Sevenoaks and Swanley MP Michael Fallon met residents of Archer Way, Swanley on Friday (6th June) to discuss the night time switch-off of street lighting. Cllr David Brazier and officials from Kent Highways also attended. Residents are concerned that darker streets could encourage crime. It was agreed the switch-off would be reviewed with the police at the end of six months to see whether crime had risen. Kent also agreed to reconsider their consultation procedures.

MP Slams New Parking Charges in Swanley

On Thursday 8th November, the owners of Swanley Shopping Centre suddenly imposed parking charges without warning. These car parks are privately owned and lie between the two Swanley medical surgeries. This move has caused great concern; blue badge holders are not exempt and the free ASDA car parks are suffering even greater congestion.

Opposing the new charges, Mr Fallon said:-

“A large number of constituents have complained to me and I was in Swanley on Saturday, 9 November to discuss this matter. Although these car parks are not owned or under the control of the local authorities (either Swanley Town Council or Sevenoaks District Council) I spoke to the Mayor and other Councillors and I know they are actively checking the legal position.

In the meantime, I want the landlords to hold off on the new charges to allow for a fuller consultation.”