Refuse collection update

Refuse Bin Collections – What is happening?

Sevenoaks District Council must change its methods of collecting refuse across the District. The Government requires the Council to separate food waste from other waste after April this year and is asking for an improvement in the amount of recycling that is collected. The Council has also been ordered by the Health and Safety Executive to stop the manual handling of rubbish sacks.

This means that all residents will be supplied with new food waste caddies which will be emptied every week. Sevenoaks Council will also be changing, like all other councils in Kent have already done, to alternate weekly collections of recycling and residual waste. The Council proposes that most residents should use different wheelie bins for each of those. That will allow all the bins to be emptied mechanically into the trucks.

The Council’s favoured solution is for each house to have its own set of wheelie bins which must be taken by householders to a suitable place near the road on collection day before returning them onto the householders’ premises. The Village Association is concerned that because many houses do not have a road frontage, this will be difficult for some people. It could also lead to people keeping their bins permanently on public amenity land within neighbourhoods, such as front gardens or in alleys behind gardens, which residents do not own. The Village Association has always opposed any such abuse of its land and these new arrangements are potentially going to make this much worse. The Council requires level access between the bins and the refuse freighter. In many neighbourhoods, a lot of the places where people currently leave rubbish sacks on collection days are unsuitable for wheelie bins because of soft or uneven ground, or because they would cause an obstruction so significant alterations to landscaped areas may be necessary.

The Council has suggested these issues mean it would be preferable for neighbourhoods to build permanent storage areas for large communal bins. However, finding suitable sites close to roads for access by refuse freighters, and convenient for residents to use, will not be practical.

The Council has said that the Village Association and Residents’ Societies must bear the cost of any work to facilitate bin emptying. This would be completely unaffordable. There are also particular challenges at apartments which already have communal bin stores that cannot be adapted easily.

Since last June, the Village Association, with support from the Parish Council, has been trying to negotiate with Sevenoaks Council to find a solution to these difficulties that will not unduly inconvenience residents, and which will not lead to a big increase in Village Association and Residents’ Society fees, whilst still meeting the Council’s objectives. The Council’s officers have not yet been able to offer any acceptable alternatives.

The issue is becoming urgent as time progresses, so it has now been raised at the highest level in the Council, and we are also seeking support from our Member of Parliament, Tom Tugendhat, although he does not have direct responsibility for waste collection by the Council.

We will continue to update residents when we have more news and, once we there are viable options, we will be consulting with all Residents’ Societies and, in turn, their residents as this would be an important change.

E watch

Disclaimer: E-watch.co do not necessarily endorse the products and services you may see mentioned in this newsletter. We source most of our content from third parties and they are responsible for their own material. This is especially true if you follow a link to a third party website. Hoax-Slayer is based in the USA so anything bought from them may incur extra shipping charges and import duty.

Click for The KP Appeals Webpage

Checked : Friday 16th January. Updated : Thursday 15th January

CCTV released after Sittingbourne pub assault
Appeal following report of indecent exposure in Maidstone
Appeal following Canterbury robbery
Witness appeal following roadside assault in Maidstone
Fatal collision in Hamstreet near Ashford
CCTV image issued following Canterbury burglary

Click for The KP Most Wanted Webpage

Checked : Friday 16th January. Updated : Wednesday 14th January

Has links to Margate.

Has links to Medway and Maidstone, London, Surrey and Manchester.

Has links to Dartford, Greenhithe, Medway and Bexley.

Has links to Folkestone and Ashford.

Click for The KP Policing news Webpage

Checked : Friday 16th January. Updated : Thursday 15th January

Police disrupt suspected organised drugs operation in Walmer
Jail sentence for offender who posted intimate images online
Vehicles seized during Gravesend traffic operation
Drugs seized and suspected dealers arrested following proactive stop – Ramsgate
Man charged following assault on pub worker – Whitstable
Christopher Holland
Uninsured Jaguar in Tunbridge Wells leads to drug dealer jailed

Click for The Kent Fire and Rescue Service Incidents Webpage

Checked : Friday 16th January. Updated : Thursday 15th January

Flat fire in Ramsgate
Rescue from height in Rochester
Bedroom fire in Broadstairs
Shipping container fire in Maidstone
House fire in Ashford

Click for The Latest scam alerts from Which? Webpage

Checked : Friday 16th January. Updated : Monday 12th January

There are no new headlines today but you can still use the link to access the webpage.

Click for The Latest product recalls from Which? Webpage

Checked : Friday 16th January. Updated : Tuesday 13th January

12 January – ‘Serious risk of fire’ leads to recall of rechargeable hot water bottle, sold via TikTok Shop

Click for The Trading Standards Product recalls & Safety Notices Webpage

Checked : Friday 16th January. Updated : Thursday 15th January

Safety Report: MIWAT LED Flood (sold via Amazon)
Safety Report: YSN Ice Crusher
Safety Report: Happy Childhood Building Blocks Dolls House
Safety Report: US/UK Travel Adaptor (sold via Amazon)
Recall: Hello by Lionel Richie and Hot by United Colours of Benetton Fragrances
Safety Report: Skitia Electrical Grill
Safety Report: Mirrorstone Infrared Panel Heater
Safety Report: Necklace Set with Multi-Coloured Stones
Safety Report: HOPEXY 600 LED String Lights (sold via Amazon)
Recall: Southern Arbor Electric Rechargeable Hot Water Bottle (sold via TikTok Shop)

Click for The KCC Traffic Information Webpage

Checked : Friday 16th January. Updated : Friday 16th January

Swanscombe, A226 Galley Hill Rd: Road is closed due to carriageway collapse/water leak. Local diversion route in place. Expect delays in the surrounding areas.
Brookland, Clubbs Lane: Road closed 6th – 26th January due to carriageway flooding and icy conditions. Alternative routes provided: Boarmans Lane, Barnhouse Lane, Ashentree Lane, Hookwall and vice versa
Dartford, A225 Lowfield Street: Southbound carriageway closure at Princes Road junction for SGN gas leak repair works. Diversion in place. Expect delays in the surrounding areas.
Boughton Monchelsea, Brishing Ln: Brishing Lane closed between Joy Wood and Brishing Road due to water leak and carriageway flooding. Please use an alternative route. Expect delays.

The UK’s Most Common Vitamin Deficiencies – And How To Fix Them

National nutrition surveys show that many of us are lacking key nutrients. We look at the most common deficiencies and how to get back on track

Click HERE for full details on the Consumers’ Association (Which?) website.

Tips For Healthy Bowel Movements From A Gastroenterologist

From fibre to probiotics: we asked a gastroenterology professor for tips about the daily habits he advises for better bowels

Click HERE for full details on the Consumers’ Association (Which?) website.

3 Phone Scams To Watch Out For Right Now

How to spot and avoid the most common phone scams

Click HERE for full details on the Consumers’ Association (Which?) website.

How To Unblock A Sink – And What You Should Never Pour Down Your Drain

Learn how to quickly clear a blocked drain and discover the everyday items that could be wreaking havoc on your drains

Click HERE for full details on the Consumers’ Association (Which?) website.

Food Allergy And Intolerance Testing Kits: Are They Worth It?

Allergy and intolerance test kits can cost hundreds of pounds – but they might not provide the answers you’re hoping for

Click HERE for full details on the Consumers’ Association (Which?) website.

5 Holiday Rental Rip-offs To Watch Out For

The most common booking pitfalls – and what to do if they happen to you

Click HERE for full details on the Consumers’ Association (Which?) website.

Official Support For Windows 10 Ended On 14 October 2025

Still using Windows 10? Here’s what you need to know

Click HERE for full details on the Consumers’ Association (Which?) website.

Teacher In Your Pocket

Teacher in Your Pocket (TEPO) is a helpful tool to share important messages and information with people who might not be online. You can show short videos and share information with a loved one, community member, or client to help them stay safe at home.

Click HERE for full details on the Kent County Council website.

Kent Police KFAS Fraud Alerts

Please find attached your first weekly KFAS Fraud Alerts from Kent Police for 2026.

Click HERE for full details on the Kent Fraud Alert System website.

Road Works

Sevenoaks

We have logged these crimes since the previous newsletter was issued: If you have information about any of these crimes, please phone Kent Police on 101 and quote the Crime Report No.
Ash and New Ash Green
Hanover Place in Ash-cum-Ridley	Between 00:01 on Wednesday 24th of December and 23:59 on Friday 9th of January. Somebody stole ornaments from neighbouring residential gardens. Crime Report No. 46/6071/26
Crockenhill and Well Hill
Woodmount in Crockenhill	Between 19:22 on Sunday 11th of January and 09:40 on Monday 12th of January. Somebody stole a number plate from a Volkswagen Up parked in the road. Crime Report No. 46/5881/26
Newports in Crockenhill	Between 17:00 on Monday 12th of January and 01:00 on Tuesday 13th of January. Somebody stole a Toyota Hilux, GS68***, from the road. Crime Report No. 46/6579/26
Eynsford
Station Road in Eynsford	Between 21:00 on Saturday 10th of January and 10:00 on Monday 12th of January. Somebody tried to steal a Fiat 500 from the road. They damaged the ignition. Crime Report No. 46/5887/26
Riverside in Eynsford	On Sunday 11th of January between 16:40 and 16:51. Somebody damaged a window of a residential property. Crime Report No. 46/7338/26
Farningham, Horton Kirby and South Darenth
Maplescombe Lane in Farningham	Between 11:30 on Monday 12th of January and 07:00 on Tuesday 13th of January. Somebody stole a Land Rover, YE66***, from a driveway. Crime Report No. 46/6601/26
Fawkham and West Kingsdown
Fawkham Road in Fawkham	On Friday 9th of January between 00:01 and 03:00. Somebody damaged farm crops driving over them. Crime Report No. 46/6029/26
London Road in West Kingsdown	On Sunday 11th of January between 20:30 and 23:59. Somebody stole both number plates from a Volkswagen Polo parked in a car park. Crime Report No. 46/5801/26
Hextable
Princes Road in Hextable	Between 18:00 on Tuesday 13th of January and 07:15 on Wednesday 14th of January. Somebody stole a heavy duty chain and attachments rom outside a residential property Crime Report No. 46/6982/26
Kemsing
High Street in Kemsing	On Monday 12th of January around 19:01. Somebody slashed the tyres of a Skoda Yeti SE parked in the road. Crime Report No. 46/6441/26
Otford and Shoreham
Well Road in Otford	On Monday 12th of January between 05:00 and 05:30. Somebody broke into a shed at a residential property. Item stolen. Crime Report No. 46/5960/26
Penshurst, Fordcombe and Chiddingstone
Forge Close in Penshurst	On Monday 12th of January between 00:01 and 22:45. Somebody damaged a vehicle parked in the road. Crime Report No. 46/6534/26
Sevenoaks Town and St John’s
Buckhurst Lane in Sevenoaks	Between 13:00 on Monday 7th of July and 07:30 on Wednesday 31st of December. Somebody damaged the wooden fence around the toddler play area. This is a repeat crime. Crime Report No. 46/6003/26
Westerham and Crockham Hill
Mill Lane in Westerham	Between 07:15 on Wednesday 26th of November and 23:15 on Monday 1st of December. Somebody stole a recently delivered parcel from a porch. Crime Report No. 46/5981/26
Dairy Lane in Westerham	On Saturday 10th of January around 20:37. Somebody stole a recently delivered parcel from a doorstep. Crime Report No. 46/5794/26

Police engagement

Coffee with a cop

Ash & Ridley Churches

Here is a reminder about the service arrangements for Ash & Ridley this coming Sunday and news about forthcoming events.

At Ash we will be holding a service of Morning Worship for Epiphany at 08:00 (BCP)

The 10:00 Morning Worship Service at Ash will also be available on Zoom, here is the link:

St Peter & St Paul Ash is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Ash Church – Morning Worship for Epiphany

Time: Jan 4, 2026 09:30am

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://zoom.us/j/97400327664?pwd=PKlSws1M9zMV0U843HMaztqPgc1CoV.1

Meeting ID: 974 0032 7664 Passcode: 264420

Hymns for Morning Worship will be announced during the service

Readings: Isaiah 60 1-6 and Matthew 2 1-12

With apologies, I do not have access to the Liturgy for this service to send you but I do hope you will still join us and follow the service as we go.

The next “Zoom” service of Morning Worship at Ash will be on Sunday 18^th January 2026

At Ridley on Sunday there will be a service of Holy Communion at the usual time of 9.00am, followed by refreshments.

Ash Church Christmas Tree

Sadly we will be taking down the church Christmas tree after the 10:00 service on Sunday, if you are able to help us as you enjoy your refreshments that would be much appreciated.

Weds 7^th January

There will be a service of BCP Holy Communion at Ash, starting at 10:00am.

All are welcome!

Ash Church Christmas Post

We are pleased to announce that the Ash Christmas Post this year raised £197.90 for church funds. Our very grateful thanks to the Clark family for all their hard work in sorting out the cards and to all the posties for delivering them.

Christingle Services

We were very pleased to welcome 523 people to our two Christingle services on Christmas Eve and are very proud to announce that we raised £729 for the Children’s Society – which is a magnificent total! Many thanks indeed to all who helped make the two services so successful: To Dorothy and Susan, to our car parking team, to our Bell Ringers, Organists/Pianists, Welcomers, Stewards, Orange corers and Christingle assemblers and everyone else who helped before and on the day. Thank you to all!

WASSAIL 2026

Make a note of the date – Saturday 10th January 2026 – 4:00 – 7:00pm

starting in NAG Village Hall and then moving to the Orchard (Weather permitting). See the “Wild about New Ash Green” Facebook page for more details soon – see you there!!

Football event!

If there is a footie-mad member of your family aged 14-25 they might be interested in a Community event being organised for Saturday 17^th January at the Milestone Academy – see attached poster for further details.

Click for The KP Appeals Webpage

Checked : Monday 5th January. Updated : Monday 5th January

Missing man from Barham, Canterbury
CCTV images released after Sittingbourne distraction theft
Missing teenager from Chatham found
Witnesses and dashcam sought after fatal collision near Iwade
Witnesses sought to Gillingham assault
Images issued after man pulled down steps in Maidstone
CCTV appeal following criminal damage in Dover

Click for The KP Most Wanted Webpage

Checked : Monday 5th January. Updated : Monday 5th January

Has links to Medway and London.

Click for The KP Policing news Webpage

Checked : Monday 5th January. Updated : Monday 5th January

Police dog assists with drugs seizure, suspected dealers arrested – Folkestone
Court appearance after house targeted in Sevenoaks
Tribute issued by family after fatal collision in Gillingham
Multiple charges secured against suspected Canterbury shoplifter
Charges following fatal collision in Gillingham

Click for The Kent Fire and Rescue Service Incidents Webpage

Checked : Tuesday 6th January. Updated : Monday 5th January

Single-vehicle crash in Sutton Valence, Maidstone
House fire in Ashford
Shed fire in Folkestone
Vehicle fire in Chestfield
Derelict building fire in Canterbury

Click for The Latest scam alerts from Which? Webpage

Checked : Tuesday 6th January. Updated : Monday 29th December

There are no new headlines today but you can still use the link to access the webpage.

Click for The Latest product recalls from Which? Webpage

Checked : Tuesday 6th January. Updated : Monday 5th January

3 January – Tesco recalls various Tesco Pates because of incorrect use by dates
30 December – Waitrose bottled water recalled because of the possible presence of glass

Click for The Trading Standards Product recalls & Safety Notices Webpage

Checked : Tuesday 6th January. Updated : Monday 5th January

Recall: BOSS Sugar Free Persian Pistachio Nougat
Recall: Waitrose No1 Deeside Water
Recall: Tesco Pates

Click for The Food Standards Agency Food alerts Webpage

Checked : Tuesday 6th January. Updated : Monday 5th January

Nestlé recalls several SMA Infant Formula and Follow-On Formula as a precaution because of the possible presence of cereulide (toxin)
Tesco recalls various Tesco Pates because of incorrect use-by dates

Click for The KCC Traffic Information Webpage

Checked : Tuesday 6th January. Updated : Tuesday 6th January

Swanscombe, A226 Galley Hill Rd: Road is closed due to carriageway collapse/water leak. Local diversion route in place. Expect delays in the surrounding areas.
Hawkenbury, Babylon Lane: Road closed 31st December – 7th January to allow for the removal of a dangerous leaning tree. …
Tunbridge Wells, A26 Eridge Road: Temporary traffic lights in place near Ramslye Road junction for South East Water works. Expect delays in the area.
Hildenborough, B245 Tonbridge Rd: The traffic signals near the junction with Leigh Road are all out. Please use caution on the approach.
Tunbridge Wells, A26 London Road: Temporary traffic lights until 7th January near High Street junction for South East Water leak repair works. Expect delays in the area.
Brasted, Hogtrough Hill: Road closed until 8th January due to icy conditions. Alternate route via: Pilgrims Way, Brasted Hill and The Nower.
Shoreham, Redmans Lane: Road closed 2nd January for up to 8 days due to ice on the carriageway. …
Halstead, Cadlocks Hill: Road closed 5th – 11th January due to ice on the carriageway. Diversion via: Watercroft Lane and Old London Road
Wrotham, A20 London Road: South East Water main leak at the Labour in Vain Road junction. KCC has hand salted the area and ice signage in place. Approach with caution. Expect delays in the area.
Allington, A20 London Road: Temporary traffic lights in place between Beaver Road and 20/20 Roundabout. Expect delays in the area.

What You Need To Know About Weight Loss Jabs And Supplements

They may be effective – but there are side effects too

Click HERE for full details on the Consumers’ Association (Which?) website.

Latest Alerts From Kent Trading Standards

As we step into a new year, it’s the perfect time to refresh the knowledge that helps keep you and your loved ones safe from scams, especially those who may not be online.

Click HERE for full details on the KCC Public Protection website.

Road Works

Sevenoaks

We have logged these crimes since the previous newsletter was issued: If you have information about any of these crimes, please phone Kent Police on 101 and quote the Crime Report No.
Crockenhill and Well Hill
Woodmount in Crockenhill	Between 18:00 on Saturday 3rd of January and 11:00 on Sunday 4th of January. Somebody stole both number plates from a vehicle parked in the road. Crime Report No. 46/1824/26
Dunton Green and Riverhead
London Road in Dunton Green	On Thursday 1st of January around 21:45. A group of young people stole a case of beer and energy drinks from a store. Crime Report No. 46/1159/26
Eynsford
Lullingstone Park in Eynsford	On Thursday 1st of January between 09:00 and 14:00. Somebody damaged fencing to a fishing lake and stole a trail camera. Crime Report No. 46/943/26
Farningham, Horton Kirby and South Darenth
Montgomery Road in Horton Kirby and South Darenth	On Thursday 1st of January between 12:00 and 20:00. Somebody damaged the wing mirrors of a Mercedes A150 parked in the road. Crime Report No. 46/1037/26
Penshurst, Fordcombe and Chiddingstone
Brooklands Farm Close in Penshurst	On Saturday 3rd of January between 17:57 and 19:57. Somebody broke into a residential property and stole a grey Porsche Macan from a driveway. Crime Report No. 46/1572/26
Sevenoaks Northern
Otford Road in Sevenoaks	On Saturday 3rd of January between 21:15 and 23:15. Somebody stole a ring left briefly unattended in a gym. Crime Report No. 46/1718/26
Sevenoaks Town and St John’s
High Street in Sevenoaks	On Wednesday 31st of December around 21:40. Two people broke into a take-away restaurant. Crime Report No. 46/1024/26
Swanley St Mary’s
Heathwood Gardens in Swanley	On Friday 2nd of January between 19:40 and 20:00. Two people attempted to gain access to a vehicle and caused damage to it. Crime Report No. 46/1491/26
West Harold in Swanley	On Friday 2nd of January around 20:40. Somebody damaged the windscreen wiper on a vehicle parked in the road. Crime Report No. 46/1222/26
Swanley Centre in Swanley	On Saturday 3rd of January between 17:30 and 17:57. A group of young people damaged a table in a fast food restaurant. Crime Report No. 46/1690/26
Swanley White Oak
Selah Drive in Swanley	On Saturday 27th of December between 06:05 and 06:20. Somebody broke into a Volkswagen Caddy and stole a backpack containing tools. Crime Report No. 46/1005/26
Lullingstone Avenue in Swanley	On Saturday 3rd of January around 04:38. Somebody attempted to gain access to two vehicles parked in the road. Crime Report No. 46/1425/26
Westerham and Crockham Hill
London Road in Westerham	On Saturday 3rd of January between 00:45 and 01:12. Somebody set fire to fence panels and a garden shed at a residential property. Crime Report No. 46/1106/26

New Ash Green

Village Association

Year: 2026

Refuse collection update

E watch

The UK’s Most Common Vitamin Deficiencies – And How To Fix Them

National nutrition surveys show that many of us are lacking key nutrients. We look at the most common deficiencies and how to get back on track

Tips For Healthy Bowel Movements From A Gastroenterologist

From fibre to probiotics: we asked a gastroenterology professor for tips about the daily habits he advises for better bowels

3 Phone Scams To Watch Out For Right Now

How to spot and avoid the most common phone scams

How To Unblock A Sink – And What You Should Never Pour Down Your Drain

Learn how to quickly clear a blocked drain and discover the everyday items that could be wreaking havoc on your drains

Food Allergy And Intolerance Testing Kits: Are They Worth It?

Allergy and intolerance test kits can cost hundreds of pounds – but they might not provide the answers you’re hoping for

5 Holiday Rental Rip-offs To Watch Out For

The most common booking pitfalls – and what to do if they happen to you

Official Support For Windows 10 Ended On 14 October 2025

Still using Windows 10? Here’s what you need to know

Teacher In Your Pocket

Teacher in Your Pocket (TEPO) is a helpful tool to share important messages and information with people who might not be online. You can show short videos and share information with a loved one, community member, or client to help them stay safe at home.

Kent Police KFAS Fraud Alerts

Please find attached your first weekly KFAS Fraud Alerts from Kent Police for 2026.

Sevenoaks

Police engagement

Coffee with a cop

Ash & Ridley Churches

Wassail

Response group

Art Club

E Watch

What You Need To Know About Weight Loss Jabs And Supplements

They may be effective – but there are side effects too

Latest Alerts From Kent Trading Standards

As we step into a new year, it’s the perfect time to refresh the knowledge that helps keep you and your loved ones safe from scams, especially those who may not be online.

Sevenoaks

Xmas tree collection