In my column this week I want to discuss two important issues: our local transport links and antisocial behaviour.
Firstly, trains.
Following my successful campaign last year, I am so pleased that the Maidstone East Fast Line, which has delivered Otford and Swanley a fast line to London Bridge (which terminates at Charing Cross) has been so popular. I regularly speak to many of you who are benefiting from it, and I have a huge smile on my face every time I see it on the board at the station.
However, what has become clear to me is that we need to continue improving our local transport infrastructure - and a key part of this is seeing additional trains services on this line especially during the rush hour.
I receive many emails every week from residents explaining how additional services on the Maidstone East Fast Line will benefit them, and I have therefore this week launched a petition so that we can show Southeastern the extent of local support.
The petition has been only open a few days and already we have a number of signatures, so please do get involved. The more signatures we collect, the better our chances of succeeding with the campaign: https://www.lauratrott.org.uk/secure-additional-services-london.
Secondly, antisocial behaviour.
Since my election in 2019 I have been clear – there is no place for antisocial behaviour in Sevenoaks. It is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our community.
Kent Police and Sevenoaks District Council continue to do a great job to address issues as they arise, however I have been concerned about the increase in reports of antisocial behaviour on the Vine (especially at weekends).
On Friday I held an excellent meeting with our Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott and representatives from Kent Police, including Sevenoaks Commander Chief Inspector Lizzie Jones, and I will be working closely with Sevenoaks District Council Leader Julia Thornton over the coming weeks to see what can be done. We are currently exploring a few options and as soon as I have any updates, I will be sure to share them.
In the meantime, if you experience any antisocial behaviour locally, please report it. If the incident is an emergency call 999, otherwise you can call 101. Sevenoaks District Council can also be reached on 01732 227000, or by visiting https://www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/info/20040/community_safety/41/anti-social_behaviour Equally if you, or someone you know is suffering from this blight, please contact my office ([email protected]) and we will do anything we can to assist you.
Everyone has the right to feel safe on our streets. Antisocial behaviour is not a ‘low-level’ crime and that’s why I am determined to bring it to a stop.
