New Year's Resolutions for 2019

Dear Friends

As our councillors face 2019, here are three top resolutions for the New Year.

First, the Local Plan which will shape Sevenoaks for the next 20 years needs to reflect the housing needs for young families, and for the increasing number of older people. That means more affordable family homes, and more purpose designed homes in which older people can support each other. We need both of these so that local families can stay in our community, and to make the best use of the homes we have.

Second, we need to recognise that the very welcome new school places in Sevenoaks will transform our town, as thousands more young people are here all day. To help them we need to make Sevenoaks much more friendly to people who don't drive. Better walking routes and road crossings, and slower traffic on routes to school, need to be in place soon.

Third, we have air pollution levels in our High Street and along the A25 which endanger everyone's health. The risk to 5,000 young people in schools alongside these roads demands real action.

Let's hope we can end 2019 with solutions on all three firmly in place.

All best wishes for the New Year

Merilyn Canet

District Council Group Leader