SCRUTINY COMMITTEE AGENDA

Tuesday 15 January 2008

1. Apologies for Absence

2. Declarations of Interest

To receive any declarations of interest Members may wish to make including the term(s) of the Grant of Dispensation(s) by the Standards Committee.

3. Urgent Items

The Chairman will announce his decision as to whether there are any urgent items and their position on the agenda.

4. Confirmation of the Minutes of the meeting held on 30 October (Pages 1 - 2007 6)

5. To consider references from other Committees (if any)

6. Chairman's Update (Pages 7 - 8)

7. Forward Plan (Pages 9 - 16)

To consider any issues arising from the Forward Plan for the period 1 January 2008 to 30 April 2008.

8. Queen Elizabeth's Foundation Resource Centre, Brent Way (Pages 17 - 18)

This item is “To Follow”.

9. Post Office Closures in Dartford (Pages 19 - 74)

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DARTFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL

SCRUTINY COMMITTEE

MINUTES of the meeting of the Scrutiny Committee held on Tuesday 30 October 2007 at 7.00 pm.

PRESENT: Councillor G T Prout (Chairman) Councillor M J Bryant (Vice-Chairman) Councillor D J Baker Councillor A Bardoe (in place of Councillor M J Davis) Councillor S H Brown Councillor R Bryant (in place of Councillor J I Muckle) Councillor J A Hayes Councillor A R Lloyd Councillor J M Ozog (in place of Councillor D E Hunnisett) Councillor A E Peters (in place of Councillor E J Lampkin) Councillor D M Pickersgill Councillor P J Scanlan Councillor Mrs R L Shanks Councillor C J Shippam Councillor T C H Smith Councillor Mrs D J Stoate Councillor A Wells

ABSENT: Councillor M J Davis Councillor D E Hunnisett Councillor E J Lampkin Councillor J I Muckle

Dartford Borough Council Officers:

Mrs Judith Stephens Senior Committee Co-ordinator

PRESENT TO RESPOND TO ISSUES RAISED BY THE SCRUTINY COMMITTEE:

Mr Steve Brooks – Head of Finance & Resources Mr David Fletcher – Project Director

External Participants Mr Duncan Stephenson – Network Rail Mr Martin Pope – Network Rail Mr Marcus Goldsmith – Network Rail Mr Peter Clinch – UPT Tilhill Mr Graham Steele – Mr P J Spitty – Stone Lodge Bowls Club Mr Bob Chatfield – Stone Lodge Bowls Club

CABINET MEMBERS: Councillor A R Martin Councillor Mrs P A Thurlow

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TUESDAY 30 OCTOBER 2007

28. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors M J Davis, (substituted by Councillor A Bardoe), D E Hunnisett (substituted by Councillor J M Ozog), E J Lampkin (substituted by Councillor A E Peters) and J I Muckle (substituted by Councillor R Bryant).

29. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Councillor J M Ozog declared a personal interest in agenda item 8, Tree Cutting in Fulwich Road Dartford, as his mother-in-law lives in the area.

Councillor Mrs P A Thurlow declared a personal interest in agenda item 9, Stone Lodge – The Bowls Facilities and the Future Development of the Site, as her husband is a member of the Stone Lodge Indoor Bowls Club.

Councillor A Wells declared a personal interest in agenda item 9, Stone Lodge – The Bowls Facilities and the Future Development of the Site, as his father is a member of Stone Lodge Bowls Club.

30. URGENT ITEMS

There were no urgent items.

31. CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES HELD ON 4 SEPTEMBER 2007

RESOLVED

That the minutes of the meeting held on 4 September 2007 be confirmed.

32. TO CONSIDER REFERENCES FROM OTHER COMMITTEES (IF ANY)

There were no references from other Committees.

33. CHAIRMAN'S UPDATE

Members noted that a report - ‘Disability Awareness Training for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers’ - will be submitted to the Licensing Committee meeting on 7 November 2007.

The Chairman asked Members to note the training opportunity – ‘Kent and Medway Scrutiny Conference’ on 30 November 2007 and to advise Member Services if they wanted to attend.

34. FORWARD PLAN

RESOLVED

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TUESDAY 30 OCTOBER 2007

That the contents of the Forward Plan for the period 1 November 2007 to 29 February 2008 be noted

35. TREE CUTTING IN FULWICH ROAD, DARTFORD

The Chairman welcomed the representatives from Network Rail and Mr G Steele, who had been a Dartford Borough Councillor at the time the work to the trees had been undertaken.

The report informed Members that Councillor D J Baker had been contacted by Fulwich Road residents who had raised concerns about the cutting back of trees by Network Rail early this year. He outlined the issues expressed to him and invited Mr G Steele to contribute to the discussion.

Mr G Steele explained that in April 2007, The Dartford Times had approached him as the Ward Councillor for Newtown, and drawn his attention to the work carried out to the trees and the views expressed by local residents.

He understood that Network Rail had written to residents indicating that some remedial work was required to the trees as they were endangering the railway line. They were informed that the process would be carried out over a couple of nights when the line would be closed, but he felt Network Rail had failed to provide sufficient information to residents and had misrepresented the scale of the work.

Mr G Steele explained that residents were concerned about the effect the work had had on the wildlife and the resulting impact of the loss of screening the trees had provided to the street scene.

Mr D Stephenson, Network Rail Public Affairs Manager, said that the work was required for safety reasons and that all aspects of the work undertaken were recorded. The Contractor, Mr P Clinch from UPT Tilhill, explained that two surveys had been undertaken prior to the commencement of the work. They had established that there were no nesting sites and there was no evidence of bats in the area.

Mr M Goldsmith, Network Rail off-track engineer, informed Members that the chalk cutting was subject to erosion due to the expansion of the Sycamore tree roots. These trees tend to self seed and a herbicide treatment would be used to prevent re-growth. Several trees had toppled over due to their weight and the steepness of the cutting in the area alongside Fulwich Road. Photographs were circulated showing trees blown down and blocking the line. It was noted that although the trees were not saplings, they were large enough to derail a train.

He accepted that the loss of the vegetation had a severe impact on the street scene, but explained that as the trees grow in clusters it was necessary to remove all of them as partial removal would make the remainder unstable and likely to blow over.

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TUESDAY 30 OCTOBER 2007

Members discussed other more suitable vegetation which could be planted, but agreed that maintenance would continue to be an issue. Mr M Pope, Network Rail Area off-track engineer, agreed that there had been a drastic impact to residents on the loss of screening the trees had provided and explained that the works had exposed old fencing which had since been replaced.

Members asked about the notices issued to residents and were informed that as a result of feedback, amendments to improve the quality of information provided had been made to the standard letter. Mr D Stephenson said that all letters from Dartford Borough Council had received responses and explained that Network Rail would be happy to consider proposals to support community projects.

Councillor Mrs D Stoate felt that the weeds and general maintenance at Dartford Station should be a prime concern. She suggested that Network Rail revisit a previous community project proposal for a community area in Greenhithe. Although he remembered the MP’s application for a market garden type community project, Mr D Stephenson felt that support had been declined, because the area of land was viewed as unsuitable due to safety reasons.

Whilst he appreciated that safety was of paramount concern Councillor D J Baker suggested a general tidy up of the area in Fulwich Road and that the provision of a seat, halfway up the hill, might be appreciated by the local residents.

Councillor A Wells commented on the current use of an area of land in his ward, (Marcet Road) by Network Rail, and asked for clarification on usage and an indication of when the land will be returned to its original condition.

Mr D Stephenson invited Councillor A Wells to write to him on this matter so that he may address these concerns. He also advised Members of the National Rail helpline, a facility available to everyone.

In conclusion, the Chairman thanked the representatives from Network Rail for providing a thorough explanation of the safety issues surrounding the removal of the trees in Fulwich Road. He felt that they recognised the points raised and the need for them to improve communication in order to manage expectations. He also thanked them for offering to consider submissions of proposals to support community projects.

RESOLVED:

That the issues raised, be noted.

36. STONE LODGE - THE BOWLS FACILITIES AND THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SITE

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TUESDAY 30 OCTOBER 2007

The report provided Members with an update on the progress of the plans for the future development of Stone Lodge.

The site currently includes a judo facility - Dartford Judokwai, and two bowls clubs, indoor and outdoor bowls respectively - Dartford Stone Lodge Bowls and Social Clubs Ltd and (J&E) Halls Bowls Club.

The Chairman welcomed Mr P Spitty, Club Secretary and Mr B Chatfield, Club Treasurer from Dartford Stone Lodge Bowls and Social Clubs Ltd and invited Mr Chatfield to provide an indication of the current financial and social status of the Club.

Members noted that the premises had been built in 1976 and initially operated as a Council run facility. The Club was granted a 50 year ‘full repairing’ lease in 1985, which is subject to 5 yearly rent reviews.

Detrimental changes to the Club’s financial status began in 1999 when the rent became subject to VAT as the Council was proposing a redevelopment of the site including a potential relocation of the Club to a new facility. Under the terms of the lease, the Club are obliged to keep the facility in good repair. He said that there had been various improvements to the facilities including the replacement of kitchen appliances.

The Club had, in the past suffered break-ins and vandalism and consequently, the security systems had been enhanced and CCTV had been installed. Mr Chatfield felt that the Club was now most vulnerable when it was closed in the evening after 8pm (previously 10.30pm) and out of season. Damage had occurred to vehicles parked in the new car park and the Club had employed security people to “sit in cars” earlier this year. Both the police and the Council’s Enforcement Team were notified and have been supportive with their crime prevention advice and involvement with evidence gathering. Mr Chatfield said that membership was however, in decline and it is currently at its lowest ever, mainly he felt, as a result of the perceived security issues.

The Club is one of the largest leisure organisations in the Dartford area and is run entirely by volunteers from its membership, 75% of whom are over the age of 65. Mr Chatfield said that he had recently discovered that other similar clubs within the UK had experienced financial difficulties and had closed. Taking into consideration the proposed new facility at Bexley and the existing centres at Sevenoaks and Swanley, he felt that it would be difficult to foresee the Club continuing to exist beyond the end of the next season, April 2008 unless there was a radical change to its financial circumstances.

The Project Director confirmed that he was aware of the anti-social behaviour and crime in the area and informed Members that covert cameras had been used by the Enforcement Team in an attempt to identify the perpetrators. He recognised that the mounding had presented difficulties in managing some anti social behaviour issues but explained that its purpose was to prevent any unlawful incursions onto the site. The Club representatives confirmed there had been no recent problems. 5 Agenda Item 4 Page 6 SCRUTINY COMMITTEE

TUESDAY 30 OCTOBER 2007

Members recognised the community value of the Club and discussed opportunities to synergise activities with their neighbours at the Outdoor Bowls Club. They accepted that this proposal had been suggested previously and rejected by some members of the Outdoor Bowls Club but it was felt that this offer should be re-visited. Councillor Mrs P A Thurlow suggested that, in order to generate income, the kitchen facilities could be more fully utilised during the summer months and she accepted the invitation by Members to discuss the opportunities with all parties.

The Project Director indicated that the development of the site will be dictated by the revenue and capital budget but commented that a revenue neutral scheme will be required. He felt that attracting more organisations to the site would help address some of the security concerns and agreed to discuss the possibility of making the site more presentable with the Public Realm Manager.

Councillor Mrs P A Thurlow suggested that she arrange an indoor bowling match in aid of the Mayor’s charity and invited all Members to participate.

RESOLVED:

That the issues raised, be noted.

The meeting closed at 9.05 pm

Councillor G T Prout CHAIRMAN

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SCRUTINY COMMITTEE 15 JANUARY 2008

CHAIRMAN’S UPDATE The Chairman requested that Committee Members be provided with the following update for information.

• The Success of the Regulations for Taxi Wheelchair Access

At its meeting on 19 June 2007 [Min 9], the Scrutiny Committee resolved that the Licensing Committee consider making disability awareness training a pre- condition of licensing for all Hackney Carriage and Private Hire drivers.

The Licensing Committee considered the matter at its meeting on 7 November 2007 [min 11]. The Committee was advised that attendance at a course rather than receiving written material was advisable. The intention was to encourage drivers to take training in the 3 months before their licence renewal date. It would be 3 years before all existing drivers’ licences were renewed. Members hoped that the training would be promoted as a professional qualification.

The Committee resolved that (a) the Licensing Section, in consultation with Councillors Angell and Coleman, make an assessment of the Axion and Kent County Council training courses; (b) all costs of training be borne by Hackney Carriage and private hire drivers; (c) as soon as practical, but no later than 1 September 2008, disability awareness training be made a pre-condition of licensing for all Hackney Carriage and private hire drivers, existing and new.

The Licensing Committee also asked that the subject be returned to it for further review at a later date.

• The Consultation regarding Recycling in Flats and Houses in Multiple Occupation The Scrutiny Committee received a report on 20 February 2007 [min 63] and after discussion resolved that an update on progress be received. An update was provided at the meeting on 4 September 2007 and an update requested for the January 2008 meeting [Min 22].

The basis of the proposals is to reduce the need to deliver clear recycling sacks to residents in flats – this is an ongoing cost, and difficult to time deliveries in line with individual residents’ needs – and replace them with a reusable canvas bag. Also to improve communal bin areas so that they can contain bins for both general waste and recyclable materials, suitably signed. Residents would collect Agenda Item 6 Page 8

SCRUTINY COMMITTEE 15 JANUARY 2008 recyclable materials in their bags, to the limit of what they are able to safely carry, and deposit the contents in the appropriate bin. Each block of flats is different and must be considered on its merits. Some low rise blocks have separate bins for each dwelling, although most flats have communal bin areas. In the former case an additional grey bin will be delivered for recycling, but in the majority of cases additional larger (1100 litre) bins for recycling will be added to the communal areas, with appropriate signing. Much of the communication work with residents was being undertaken by a Project Coordinator, externally funded through WRAP. Unfortunately the postholder had to leave the job in late summer 2007 due to personal reasons. and a new postholder commenced in November. Cabinet in February 2007 agreed the individual scheme priorities for improving bin areas at the Council flat blocks. Draft designs were prepared for the first four schemes, which could be dealt with from the current budgets. A legal problem was identified as some of the land required for new or enlarged bin areas was leased to private individuals over 10 years ago, under the Right to Buy scheme first started. Also in response to the consultation at some blocks, residents were against the proposed changes to bin areas. These areas are now being re-visited to see if any acceptable solutions are available. It is still hoped to implement the majority of the planned works by 31 March 2008. In terms of recycling, the Council’s Supported Housing units are similar to flats. There are 14 units in the borough, which vary in design. Each block needs to be considered individually, and meetings with staff from housing have been held to agree specific solutions for each. A number of private blocks of flats are also being tackled. Whilst these are generally more modern than flats on Council estates, only some have sufficient available space for extra recycling bins. For those that are suitable, a relatively small investment in additional recycling bins, signs, plus reusable bags for each resident, should be able to achieve a significant improvement in recycling. Where private blocks of flats would need some structural alterations to accommodate additional bins, this is clearly a matter where landlords need to be persuaded to invest the necessary sum, as the Council’s capital budget cannot be used for this purpose.

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FORWARD PLAN 1 January 2008- 30 April 2008

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This page is intentionally left blank 1 January 2008 - 30 April 2008 FORWARD PLAN

TITLE OF REPORT AND BRIEF DATE OF WHO IS TO BE BACKGROUND NAME, TITLE AND CONTACT SUMMARY OF MATTER TO BE CABINET/GAC CONSULTED BEFORE PAPERS DETAILS OF REPORT AUTHOR DECIDED MEETING OR TAKING THE PERIOD DECISION AND HOW WITHIN WHICH THE DECISION WILL BE TAKEN AND BY WHOM Local Development Framework - Cabinet 24 Jan There has been previous Planning and Teresa Ryszkowska, Planning Policy Core Strategy Preferred Options 2008 consultation with Compulsory Manager Report statutory organisations Purchase Act Tel: 01322 343631

and the wider 2004 [email protected] Page 11 Document to be approved for community on this issue. consultation purposes. Ongoing consultation with key stakeholders is continuing. Agenda Item7

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TITLE OF REPORT AND BRIEF DATE OF WHO IS TO BE BACKGROUND NAME, TITLE AND CONTACT SUMMARY OF MATTER TO BE CABINET/GAC CONSULTED BEFORE PAPERS DETAILS OF REPORT AUTHOR DECIDED MEETING OR TAKING THE

PERIOD DECISION AND HOW Page12 Agenda Item7 WITHIN WHICH THE DECISION WILL BE TAKEN AND BY WHOM Kent Thameside Strategic Cabinet 24 Jan The consultation Reports to Teresa Ryszkowska, Planning Policy Transport Programme - Interim 2008 document has been Cabinet , 26 July Manager Policy made widely available 2007, and GAC, Tel: 01322 343631 General within the Borough. All 30 July 2007, on [email protected] The General Assembly of the Assembly of the consultees on the the Kent Council in July 2007 agreed an Council 28 Jan Council’s Local Thameside interim policy to fund a strategic 2008 Development Strategic transport programme by way of a Framework database Transport tariff levied on new homes, subject have been informed of Programme to possible changes to the policy the consultation and following consultation. invited to respond. This report will outline the results of Housing developers and the consultation carried out, together anyone who has recently with any recommended changes to submitted a planning the interim policy. application for residential development have, in particular, been targeted.

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TITLE OF REPORT AND BRIEF DATE OF WHO IS TO BE BACKGROUND NAME, TITLE AND CONTACT SUMMARY OF MATTER TO BE CABINET/GAC CONSULTED BEFORE PAPERS DETAILS OF REPORT AUTHOR DECIDED MEETING OR TAKING THE PERIOD DECISION AND HOW WITHIN WHICH THE DECISION WILL BE TAKEN AND BY WHOM Kent Thameside Strategic General Informal consultation Reports to Rob Scott, Regeneration Director Transport Programme - Operating Assembly of the with key stakeholders, Cabinet, 26 July Tel: 01322 343632 Framework Council 28 Jan including statutory 2007, and GAC, [email protected] 2008 bodies and private 30 July 2007, on To recommend a financial and developers. the Kent administrative operating framework, Thameside as well as potential new governance Strategic arrangements, for implementing the Transport Page 13 Kent Thameside Strategic Transport Programme Programme

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TITLE OF REPORT AND BRIEF DATE OF WHO IS TO BE BACKGROUND NAME, TITLE AND CONTACT SUMMARY OF MATTER TO BE CABINET/GAC CONSULTED BEFORE PAPERS DETAILS OF REPORT AUTHOR DECIDED MEETING OR TAKING THE

PERIOD DECISION AND HOW Page14 Agenda Item7 WITHIN WHICH THE DECISION WILL BE TAKEN AND BY WHOM Additional Licensing Scheme: Cabinet 20 Mar The proposals for Report to Linda Golightly, Environmental Consultation 2008 consultation are Cabinet, 25 Health Manager contained in the report January 2007 Tel: 01322 343346 A draft submission has been and will include [email protected] prepared for the Department of landlords, letting Communities and Local Government agencies, tenants and (DCLG) regarding an application for Parish Councils. an Additional Licensing for certain Houses in Multiple Occupation as defined in the report across the whole of the Borough. This report will set out the draft submission and proposals for the essential formal consultation.

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TITLE OF REPORT AND BRIEF DATE OF WHO IS TO BE BACKGROUND NAME, TITLE AND CONTACT SUMMARY OF MATTER TO BE CABINET/GAC CONSULTED BEFORE PAPERS DETAILS OF REPORT AUTHOR DECIDED MEETING OR TAKING THE PERIOD DECISION AND HOW WITHIN WHICH THE DECISION WILL BE TAKEN AND BY WHOM Local Development Framework - Cabinet 20 Mar The consultation Report to Cabinet Paul Buckley, Senior Planner Dartford Town Centre Area Action 2008 document has been 26 July 2007 on Tel: 01322 343202 Plan - Submission Document made widely available the Local [email protected] General within the Borough. All Development Cabinet in July 2007 agreed that the Assembly of the consultees on the Framework - Dartford Town Centre Area Action Council 25 Mar Council’s Local Town Centre Plan – Preferred Options document 2008 Development Area Action Plan - be approved for public consultation. Framework database Preferred Options Page 15 This submission document will be have been informed of Document for presented to Government following the consultation and Consultation agreement of Cabinet and GAC. It invited to respond. follows consultation on the earlier document and takes into account the responses from that consultation.

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This page is intentionally left blank Page 17 Agenda Item 8

Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation Resource Centre, Brent Way

This item is ”To Follow” Page 18

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SCRUTINY COMMITTEE 15 JANUARY 2008

POST OFFICE CLOSURES IN DARTFORD

1. Summary

1.1 The Chairman, in accordance with the Scrutiny Protocol, has requested that a matter of local concern is brought before Members for discussion.

2. RECOMMENDATION

2.1 That the Committee consider the issues raised.

3. Background and Discussion

3.1 In October 2007, the Post Office published a local area plan proposal for the Kent area, to implement measures prescribed earlier in the year by the Government. The plan proposed the closure of four branch post offices within the Borough of Dartford.

3.2 The Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee asked that the matter be brought before the Committee at its meeting scheduled for 4 December 2007. Post Office representatives were unable to attend on that date, the meeting was cancelled and the matter was deferred to 15 January 2008.

3.3 Following local public consultation, the Post Office has announced its decisions. It has decided to proceed with all four closures proposed for the Dartford area. The decision document is attached at Appendix A. The reasons for the four Dartford closures are set out at page 27 (Longfield Hill and Mead Road), page 33 (Temple Hill) and page 34 (Wilmington) of that document (page numbers at foot of page refer).

3.4 At the same time, the Post Office has proposed a further closure in the Borough - the Post Office Lane End branch, Whitbread Cottage, Darenth, Dartford, DA2 7JR. A Post Office notice about this is attached at Appendix B. The closing date for the local public consultation on the proposal is 31 January 2008.

3.5 The following Post Office representatives have agreed to attend the meeting: • Craig Tuthill, Regional Development Manager, Post Office Ltd • Gary Herbert, National Development Manager, Post Office Ltd • Sally Hopkins, Senior External Relations Manager, Post Office Ltd

4. Relationship to the Corporate Plan

Not applicable

Agenda Item 9 Page 20

SCRUTINY COMMITTEE 15 JANUARY 2008 5. Financial, legal, staffing and other administrative implications and risk assessments

Financial Implications None Legal Implications None Staffing Implications None Administrative Implications None Risk Assessment No uncertainties and/or constraints

6. Details of Exempt Information Category

Not applicable

7. Appendices

Appendix A – Post Office Ltd Network Change Programme - Area Plan Decision Booklet for Kent

Appendix B – Notice of proposed branch closure BACKGROUND PAPERS

Documents consulted Date / Report Author Section and Exempt File Ref Directorate Information Category

Post Office Ltd Network Jenny Phillips Member N/A Change Programme (01322) 343430 services Area Plan Decision Booklet MD for Kent

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Post Office Ltd

Network Change Programme

Area Plan Decision Booklet for Kent Agenda Item 9 Page 22

2 Page 23 Agenda Item 9

Contents

1. Decision Summary ...... 5 2. Overview of the Programme...... 7 2.1 Background...... 7 2.2 The Area Plan Proposal for the Kent area...... 9 2.3 Local public consultation process...... 10 3. The role of Postwatch...... 13 4. Response to Local Public consultation ...... 15 5. Proposed changes to the Area Plan Proposal as a result of local public consultation ...... 35 6. Conclusion...... 37 7. Appendices

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1. Decision Summary

In May 2007, following a national public consultation, the Government announced a range of proposed measures to modernise and reshape the network of Post Office® branches (“the Network”) and put it on a more stable footing for the future.

Post Office Ltd has now commenced a Network Change Programme (“the Programme”) to implement the measures prescribed by the Government.

In October 2007 as part of the Programme, Post OfficeLtd developed and published a local area plan proposal for the Kent area (“the Area Plan Proposal”) setting out the changes that it proposed to make, including the compulsory compensated closure of 58 branches. The development of the Area Plan Proposal involved obtaining feedback from stakeholders, including Postwatch and local authorities. More than 9% of our initial proposals were changed as a result of this input.

Post Office Ltd has now reached its final decisions on the future of Post Office® branches across the Kent area following a six-week local public consultation which ended on 12 November 2007.

During the local public consultation Post Office Ltd received approximately 5400 pieces of correspondence and attended 23 meetings with customers and their representatives. This enabled Post Office Ltd to improve its understanding of customers’ concerns and to ensure that all such information was taken into account before final decisions were reached.

Post Office Ltd has decided to retain a total of 295 branches across the Kent area, and to proceed with 56 of the closures in the Area Plan Proposal. Post Office Ltd has decided not to proceed with 2 proposed closures as a result of feedback received during the local public consultation. These branches – Cliff’s End and Hawkhurst – will now remain open. Our proposals regarding replacement branch closures are set out later in this booklet.

The remaining network of 295 branches supports the minimum access criteria prescribed by the Government and ensures that 99% of the Kent area will either see no change or will remain within one mile (by road distance) of an alternative branch.

The consultation process has been scrutinised by Postwatch, the independent consumer watchdog, who have has been closely involved throughout the Programme. Postwatch has reviewed the final closure decisions and will not ask Post Office Ltd to undertake any further review on these branches.

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All affected branches will now display a poster informing their customers about the decision that has been reached. Further information will be provided shortly afterwards in branch to confirm the actual date that the proposed change will take place. This will be not less than four weeks from the date on which the decision is announced and the poster displayed. Where appropriate, information will also be provided in each branch to help customers choose an alternative branch that is suitable for them. We expect to complete all changes in the Kent area by spring 2008.

We would like to thank all those who responded, including our customers and their representatives, for their contribution to the local public consultation process. Although Post Office Ltd appreciates that change will be difficult for some of our customers, we believe that these decisions minimise these difficulties as much as possible within the constraints of available funding and the criteria set by the Government.

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2. Overview of the Programme

2.1 Background

The Government recognised that fewer people are using Post Office® branches, partly because traditional services, including benefit payments and other services, are now available in other ways, such as online or directly through banks. It concluded that the overall size and shape of the network of Post Office® branches (“the Network”) needs to change. As a result of this the Government conducted a national public consultation from December 2006 to March 2007 to develop a new policy and financial framework for the Network. In excess of 2500 people and organisations took the opportunity to make a contribution to this consultation.

In May 2007, following the national public consultation, the Government announced a range of proposed measures to modernise and reshape the Network with the purpose of putting it on a more stable footing for the future. A copy of the Government’s response to the national public consultation (“the Response Document”) can be obtained at www.dti.gov.uk/consultations/page36024.html.

Post Office Ltd has now put in place a Network Change Programme (“the Programme”) to implement the measures prescribed by the Government. The Programme will involve the compulsory compensated closure of up to 2,500 Post Office® branches with the introduction of about 500 service points known as “Outreach” to mitigate the impact of the proposed closures in some areas. Compensation will be paid to those subpostmasters whose branches are compulsorily closed under the Programme.

To support the necessary changes to the Network, the Government has proposed a funding package of up to £1.7 billion.

The majority of Post Office® branches - more than 80% - will not change as a result of the Programme. Post Office Ltd is seeking to implement those changes that do take place as efficiently and sensitively as possible.

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The key way in which Post Office Ltd will make sure that people continue to have the best possible access to Post Office® services is by applying the minimum access criteria prescribed by the Government in the Response Document. These are:

Nationally: x 99% of the UK population to be within 3 miles and 90% of the population to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch. x 99% of the total population in deprived urban1 areas across the UK to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch. x 95% of the total urban2 population across the UK to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch. x 95% of the total rural3 population across the UK to be within 3 miles of their nearest Post Office® branch.

In addition, for each individual postcode district: x 95% of the population of the postcode district to be within 6 miles of their nearest Post Office® branch.

The Government also prescribed the following additional criteria in the Response document:

x The population of any one area, any one country in the UK or any group of people is not to be overall significantly more adversely affected by the Programme than the population of any other area, country or group of people (as appropriate).

x There should be a broadly similar number of compulsory compensated branch closures pursuant to the Programme in rural areas as in urban areas (including deprived urban areas) across the UK as a whole.

x There should be a broadly similar number of compulsory compensated branch closures pursuant to the Programme in any one country as in the whole of the UK.

1 Deprived urban – The most disadvantaged urban parts of the UK based on the Indices of Multiple Deprivation (top 15% Super Output Areas in England, 15% of Data Zones in Scotland and 30% of Super Output Areas in Wales and Northern Ireland).

2 Urban – A community with 10,000 or more inhabitants in a continuous built up area.

3 Rural – A community not covered by the definition of Urban above. 8 Page 29 Agenda Item 9

In order to deliver the changes set out in the Response Document, Post Office Ltd has divided the UK into 47 areas. For each of these areas Post Office Ltd will develop a local area plan proposal (“the Area Plan Proposal”) which will set out the changes that it proposes to make within it.

When developing each Area Plan Proposal Post Office Ltd takes into account a number of factors. These include (where relevant) geographical constraints such as rivers, mountains and valleys, motorways and sea crossings to islands in order to avoid undue hardship to customers. In addition, the availability of public transport, alternative access to key Post Office® services (such as cash withdrawals, bill payments, mail services), local demographics and the impact on local economies are all considered. Post Office Ltd has sought information in this regard from subpostmasters, local authorities, regional development agencies and other representative bodies.

In analysing these factors and considering the Government criteria, Post Office Ltd has also analysed the proximity of the Post Office® branches proposed for closure to other nearby branches, the number of customers currently using a particular Post Office® branch, the size and ability of nearby branches to absorb extra customers, and the commercial implications of any decision for Post Office Ltd.

Postwatch, the independent consumer watchdog for postal services, works with Post Office Ltd in assessing the options for change during the period leading up to the publication of each Area Plan Proposal. The dialogue between Post Office Ltd and Postwatch continues throughout the period of local public consultation that follows and during Post Office Ltd’s final decision making processes.

Further information about the Network Change Programme is available on our website www.postoffice.co.uk/networkchange.

2.2 The Area Plan Proposal for the Kent area

An Area Plan Proposal for the Kent area was developed in accordance with the above process.

At present the area’s 1.58 million residents are served by a total of 353 branches. Usage of Post Office® branches is falling, in line with national trends, as more customers access services at other places, make more use of the internet and have their Government benefits paid directly into bank accounts Kent communities are diverse in nature – Margate Central Ward in Thanet is classified in the top 2% of English urban most deprived areas, while the Dunton Green and Riverhead Ward is one of the least deprived areas in England. 38% of the population live in rural communities and 62% in urban towns and cities.

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The needs of those living in communities defined as “deprived” were considered in the Area Plan Proposal, reflecting the specific national criteria set by the Government to give greater safeguards on the accessibility of branches in these communities. Some 5% of the area’s total population live in deprived communities, 80% of them in urban areas and 20% in rural areas. The Area Plan Proposal for Kent identified 8 branches as being located in urban deprived communities. When preparing the Area Plan Proposal for Kent, Post Office Ltd considered factors relating to geography, the availability of local transport and alternative access to key Post Office® services, local demographics and the impact on local economies. All branches where changes were proposed were visited by members of Post Office Ltd’s dedicated regional field teams to make sure that local factors that needed to be considered were assessed first hand. During our conversations with stakeholders we were made aware of regeneration and development plans affecting certain areas within the Kent area and have taken these into consideration when constructing the Area Plan Proposal. For instance, Dartford Borough Council made us aware of the Dartford Town Centre Area Action Plan. Stakeholders also informed us about new developments in Tonbridge and Malling.

The Area Plan Proposal for Kent took into account the locations affected by these and other schemes, their likely implementation timescales, and had regard to the needs of the communities affected by these changes.

Stakeholders did not advise Post Office Ltd of any major road schemes that would materially change the accessibility to branches for particular communities. Similarly, the input that we have received regarding public transport provision did not suggest any proposed reduction in current provision which could leave branches significantly less accessible for particular communities or make it more difficult for customers to access alternative branches than at present.

More than 9% of our initial proposals were changed when we took into account information received from stakeholders and other relevant factors.

The Area Plan Proposal for Kent proposed to retain a total of 295 Post Office® branches across the region, but to close 58 existing branches. In accordance with the Government's minimum access and other criteria, the Area Plan Proposal for Kent comprised 131 branches in urban towns and cities and 164 branches in rural areas.

2.3 Local public consultation process

The Area Plan Proposal for Kent was published on 2nd October 2007. This was followed by a six-week period of local public consultation to allow customers, representative bodies and other interested parties to express their views on the Area Plan Proposal.

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We communicated our proposals in a variety of ways to ensure that local people and their representatives were able to participate in the local public consultation process. In branches that were proposed for closure we displayed posters and provided letters and leaflets for customers to take away. In all branches that we proposed to keep in the Network, posters were displayed explaining the Programme and that, subject to the results of the local public consultation, these branches would remain in the Network.

To supplement the communications within each branch, we sent a copy of the Area Plan Proposal and other information to more than 100 stakeholders, which included the relevant MPs, local authorities, and other organisations and representative bodies. This information was also made available via our website at www.postoffice.co.uk/networkchange. We issued a press release on the first day of the local public consultation.

During the local public consultation we attended 23 meetings with customers and their representatives to generate feedback on a face to face basis and to help us to understand any local issues causing particular concern. We received in excess of 5400 pieces of correspondence, including emails and letters, in relation to our proposals. This correspondence was recorded, acknowledged and considered alongside all other information and feedback.

A summary of the information and feedback received during the consultation process was shared with Postwatch. In turn, Postwatch has shared with Post Office Ltd relevant issues that consumers had raised with them directly.

The local public consultation for Kent closed on 12th November 2007.

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3. The role of Postwatch

The consumer watchdog

Postwatch is the independent watchdog for postal services, created by the Postal Services Act 2000. Postwatch is working with Post Office Ltd and local communities throughout the programme to help secure the best possible outcome for customers. What Postwatch will do

Postwatch operates through nine regional and national committees across the UK. Postwatch’s role during the programme – prescribed by government - is to scrutinise Post Office Ltd’s proposals and give feedback, ensure local consultations are meaningful, and that Post Office Ltd’s decisions are in line with government criteria.

Each Postwatch regional office investigates Post Office Ltd’s closure proposals. Postwatch receives area plans in advance of public consultation, allowing the time to examine proposals, and Post Office Ltd the chance to refine their proposals before going to public consultation.

Once public consultation is underway, Postwatch works to raise awareness of local consultations, and encourage participation. Postwatch will also work to ensure the minimum access criteria set out by the government are maintained.

Where Postwatch thinks proposals are unsatisfactory, they will work with local communities and Post Office Ltd to address these problems. There is an agreed review mechanism between Postwatch and Post Office Ltd for such instances but it is important to note that Postwatch does not have a power of veto on Post Office Ltd’s decisions.

Further information

Postwatch and Post Office Ltd have agreed a Memorandum of Understanding, which sets out in detail the role Postwatch will play in the Programme. This is available on the Postwatch website at www.postwatch.co.uk.

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4. Response to Local Public consultation

Post Office Ltd has received a substantial response to the local public consultation in respect of its proposals for Kent. It is not possible to set out in full all of the responses to local public consultation in Kent in this document.

This section therefore contains a summary of the key aspects of the responses to local public consultation received by Post Office Ltd in relation to each of the branches originally proposed for closure in the Kent Area Plan Proposal.

However, all such responses have been reviewed, considered and taken into account by Post Office Ltd when making the decisions set out below.

This section also contains the decision made by Post Office Ltd, following local public consultation, in respect of each of those branches, taking into account the responses and having regard (amongst other things) to the minimum access criteria, other criteria and factors prescribed by the Government.

The decisions to be made by Post Office Ltd during the Programme are complex and difficult. These involve balancing a wide range of factors, as prescribed by the Government in the Response Document (see section 2.1) above. They include the commercial viability of branches and other operational issues, as well as factors such as the local demographics and the effect of closures on the local economy. At the same time Post Office Ltd must ensure compliance with the detailed minimum access criteria and other criteria set out in the Response Document.

We appreciate that any decision to close a Post Office® branch is likely to be unpopular. Nevertheless, Post Office Ltd has to make decisions to close branches in order to put the Network on a more stable footing for the future and achieve this in a way which best meets the demands and concerns of the public, its customers.

Many responses received during consultation, addressing either individual closure proposals or the wider plan for the county, raised general objections to the loss of branches. The Government’s own 12 week national public consultation from December 2006 to March 2007 allowed organisations and individuals to raise concerns regarding the overall policy towards the network, including a reduction in the number of branches. Therefore while having due regard to all consultation responses, in reviewing the Area Plan Proposal, Post Office Ltd has focused on new information relating to the criteria and factors prescribed by Government and set out in this document.

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Post Office Ltd has decided not to proceed with the closure of the following branches:

Post Office® Cliff’s End branch

Cliff’s End is the most isolated branch in Thanet and also one of the most isolated branches in the Area Plan Proposal for Kent - it is 2.5 miles to the first alternative branch or 3.5 miles to the second alternative branch The Ramsgate - Sandwich Road cuts off the community and the bus stop for the bus service to St Lawrence Post Office® is a half mile walk from the community, which is made up of a large elderly population. The trip by public transport to the nearest branch would involve up to four buses, a journey of over 2 ½ hours and not all buses provide satisfactory disability access.

The Post Office® is part of the village shop and is run on a community basis, with the premises provided by the village. Without the Post Office® the shop would almost certainly close and further isolate the community.

As a result of the feedback received during consultation and taking all the above and other relevant factors into account, Post Office Ltd has decided to retain Cliff’s End Post Office® in its network.

Post Office® Hawkhurst branch

Hawkhurst Post Office® was one of two branches proposed for closure in the village of Hawkhurst. Feedback received indicated that the alternative branch (The Moor) was poorly served by public transport from the north of the village and there were no other retailers nearby.

While The Moor Post Office® branch can be accessed by bus from a stop near to the centre of Hawkhurst, in most cases two buses would be required with up to an hour wait for the return journey. Customers from the Gills Green Post Office® would not have access via public transport. The journey between Hawkhurst and The Moor Post Office® branches is hilly and would be difficult for the elderly or those with disabilities. Given its position in the centre of the village, alongside other shops and services and its ability to absorb extra customers from nearby Gills Green and having regard to all other relevant factors, Post Office Ltd has therefore decided to retain this branch in its network.

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Post Office Ltd has decided to proceed with the closure of the following branches:

Post Office® Approach Road branch

Issues were raised about the impact on the elderly and the local community regarding the proposed closure of Approach Road branch. These factors were considered in drawing up the proposal. There are two alternative branches located within a mile of Approach Road. There is a frequent bus service (with free off-peak travel for the over 60s and the disabled) to Cliftonville Post Office® and parking is also available there. Cliftonville Post Office® also has level access, with wide doors and is accessible by wheelchairs. Taking this, and all other relevant factors into account, Post Office Ltd has decided to proceed with the closure of Approach Road Post Office®. Post Office® Bellevue Road branch

Feedback received during the local public consultation centred mainly on access by the elderly to the suggested alternative branch. Regeneration in Ramsgate was highlighted and issues were also raised relating to the terrain between branches and the availability of parking. In considering this branch for closure, Post Office Ltd noted that there was a frequent bus service to the suggested alternative branch in Ramsgate High Street and Post Office Ltd believes this branch does have the capacity to absorb extra customers. It has parking available close by (free of charge for disabled badge holders) and is just over half a mile from Bellevue Road. Having regard to these and all other relevant factors, Post Office Ltd will proceed with the closure of Bellevue Road branch.

Post Office® Benenden Chest Hospital branch

The common themes in response to the proposed closure of Benenden Chest Hospital branch were the convenience for hospital staff in using the branch and the historical connection between the premises and the Post Office®.

However, the nearby village of Benenden has a Post Office® branch and Post Office Ltd considers that this branch offers reasonable access for hospital staff and visitors, and is capable of absorbing extra customers that will help to increase its longer term sustainability. Having regard to these and all other relevant factors, Post Office Ltd has decided to proceed with the closure of the Benenden Chest Hospital branch.

Post Office® Bidborough branch

Bidborough residents expressed reluctance to travel to any of the suggested alternatives, citing parking problems and congestion in nearby Southborough and the inaccessibility of Speldhurst. Some concern also centred on the viability of the shop if the Post Office® closed, and some local deprivation within the community was noted by respondents.

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Post Office Ltd considers nearby branches to offer improved access to services, with longer opening hours, a wider range of products available and better access by wheelchairs. Speldhurst offers unrestricted on-street parking outside the branch and a bus service runs to Southborough. Post Office Ltd also gave due consideration to the economic impact on the existing shop. Post Office Ltd considers the local community to have reasonable alternative access to Post Office® services. Having regard to these and all other relevant factors, it is proceeding with the closure of this branch.

Post Office® Bingham Road branch

Post Office Ltd received general objections to its proposal to close this branch. The alternative branches are within or close to a mile of Post Office® Bingham branch and there is level access. A bus service to and parking at both locations are reasonably available Taking this and other relevant factors into consideration, the final decision is to proceed with the closure of this branch.

Post Office® Brompton branch

The consultation feedback relating to the Brompton branch reflected a number of issues, including regeneration growth at St Mary’s Island, the large numbers of students residing in the area and the local garrison population. Some concern was also raised in relation to using either Chatham or Gillingham Post Office® branches. Some respondents expressed a reluctance to drive or use public transport to access Post Office® services.

Due consideration was given to the demographics of the community, potential future growth of the community, the proximity of nearby branches, the ability of those branches to absorb extra customers, parking provision and public transport services by Post Office Ltd in proposing this branch for closure. Post Office Ltd considers the branches at Chatham and Gillingham both offer reasonable alternative access to its products and services within a mile of Brompton Post Office®. Having regard to these and all other relevant factors, it will proceed with the closure of this branch.

Post Office® Byron Road branch

The consultation responses to the proposed closure of Byron Road branch focused on two main issues. These were the convenience of the branch for elderly or customers with disabilities, and the friendliness and good service offered by the existing subpostmaster. There was also some mention of the possible adverse impact on local businesses.

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Post Office Ltd believes both suggested alternative branches (Watling Street and Gillingham) provide improved access to services for the community. Both alternative branches are within one mile of the Byron Road branch, have longer opening hours, reasonably level access, a wider range of products and are within general shopping areas and there is a frequent bus service to Watling Street Post Office®. Having reviewed all these and all other relevant factors, the final decision has been made to proceed with the closure of this branch.

Post Office® Canterbury Road branch

The proposal to close the branch at Canterbury Road received a very varied response. There were general concerns about losing the branch, the impact on the local community and problems with parking at the alternative branches. The high elderly and student populations in the surrounding areas were also noted.

Post Office Ltd has considered this feedback and believes that the suggested alternative branches do provide reasonable access to Post Office® services being within one mile from Canterbury Road Post Office® and having some parking available and regular bus services to them. Having regard to these and all other relevant factors, the final decision is to proceed with the closure of Canterbury Road branch.

Post Office® Capel Le Ferne branch

There was opposition to the proposed closure of this branch on the ground that the Post Office® is also a community shop, located in an extension of the village hall - the shop sells a range of cards and stationery, rather than food or general household goods. Local transport services to neighbouring Post Office® branches have been considered and there is a regular bus service that runs into Folkestone and the Crown Office in the town, which is just over two and a half miles away by road.

Having taken all of the above and all other relevant factors into account, Post Office Ltd will proceed with the closure of this branch.

Post Office® Chalkwell branch

Concern was expressed for young mothers having to access the Sittingbourne Crown Post Office®, one of the two suggested alternative branches.

Both suggested alternative branches are less than a mile from Chalkwell Post Office® and the routes are well served by buses. There are also parking facilities directly outside or opposite both branches. Having regard to these and all other relevant factors, the final decision has been made to proceed with the closure of this branch.

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Post Office® Dane Road branch

Concerns were raised about the impact of the closure of this branch on the elderly and disabled populations and the lack of public transport facilities to alternative branches. During the development of the Area Plan Proposal and visits to the affected branches, Post Office Ltd considered the density of the local population, customer usage of the branch and the community as a whole, which is significantly urban deprived, among other factors. However, there are two alternative branches within less than a mile and both provide better access for the elderly and wheelchairs, longer opening hours and there is an hourly bus service to Cliftonville Post Office®, the nearest alternative branch. Parking is also available close to both alternative branches, with free parking for disabled badge-holders near Cliftonville Post Office®. Having regard to these and all other relevant factors, a final decision has been made to proceed with the closure of this branch.

Post Office® Denton branch

The information received from respondents referred mainly to the impact on the local community of travellers, customers with English as their second language and the elderly population.

With two branches within just over a mile, which are both served by a regular bus service and have parking available, Post Office Ltd considers that there is reasonable alternative access to Post Office® services. Gravesend Crown Post Office® has a ramp for easy access to the branch for wheelchair users.

Although the branch closed due to circumstances beyond Post Office Ltd’s control during the local public consultation, the public consultation continued and this situation has not impacted on the final decision made in respect of the branch, which, having regard to all relevant factors is to proceed with its permanent closure. Post Office® Duke Of York’s School branch

No factors were brought to Post Office Ltd’s attention during the public consultation that it had not already considered in relation the proposed closure of this branch. Having regard to all relevant factors, the final decision is to proceed with the closure of Post Office® Duke of York branch.

Post Office® East Street branch

The consultation feedback received for the proposed closure of East Street Post Office® focused on three main topics: the elderly population, customers not wanting to use Sittingbourne Crown Post Office®, and the impact on local businesses that currently use East Street branch for the banking of cash.

Post Office Ltd considers the community to be well-served by alternative branches. Sittingbourne Crown Office is half a mile away – a 7 minute walk from East Street in a pedestrianised area. Post Office Ltd also considers that the Crown Office has the capacity to absorb extra customers and is accessible by wheelchair users via a ramp. 22 Page 43 Agenda Item 9

Parking is also available close by. Alternatively, customers could use Murston Post Office®, which is just over half a mile away, with free parking available near the branch. Taking all relevant factors into account, Post Office Ltd has decided to proceed with the closure of this branch.

Post Office® Enbrook Valley branch

Concerns were raised about the car parking facilities available at Enbrook Valley, the kind service of the existing staff, the effect on local businesses and the capacity of other branches to cope with additional customers, particularly the Post Office® branch to be housed within WH Smith at Folkestone.

A full review of the proposal has been conducted with specific consideration to parking availability, proximity to alternative branches and bus routes. Post Office Ltd considers the alternative branches to offer reasonable access to its products and services, with parking close by. Further, both suggested alternative branches are served by a regular bus service. The ability of nearby branches to absorb extra customers has been carefully considered and Post Office Ltd believes that there is sufficient capacity in these branches. Taking all relevant factors into consideration a final decision has been made to proceed with the closure of this branch.

Post Office® Eynsford branch

This branch had closed temporarily before the public consultation was launched.

Some general opposition to our proposal was made by Eynsford residents who were concerned about the impact of the proposed closure on the elderly population.

Post Office Ltd noted that there is parking available at both the suggested alternative branches that are within three miles of Eynsford. There is also a bus service to the alternative Post Office® branch in Swanley. This branch also has reasonable access for wheelchair users. Taking all these and all other relevant factors into consideration, Post Office Ltd has decided that this branch will close on a permanent basis.

Post Office® Farningham branch

Many of the comments received from respondents regarding the Farningham branch focused on the impact the closure would have on elderly residents. The majority of correspondents did not want to use an alternative branch.

When drawing up its proposals and during visits to the branch and surrounding community, Post Office Ltd considered the issue of alternative access and concluded that the two nearest branches to the Farningham branch do provide reasonable access to Post Office® services. There is unrestricted parking at South Darenth Post Office® and close to Swanley Post Office®. There is also a bus service from Farningham to Swanley Post Office®. Having regard to these and all other relevant factors, Post Office Ltd’s final decision is to proceed with the closure of this branch.

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Post Office® Gills Green branch

Concerns were raised regarding public transport and distance to the nearest alternative branch, The Moor Post Office® in Hawkhurst

However, due to low customer usage of Gills Green Post Office®, and the improvements planned at The Moor to add an extra serving position within the branch, increase opening hours and improve access by installing a ramp and having regard to all other relevant factors, Post Office Ltd has decided to proceed with the closure of the Gills Green branch.

Post Office® Grange Road branch

Feedback on the proposal to close Grange Road Post Office® focused on the availability of bus routes/services and raised concerns that it is at least a 15-minute walk on foot. Concerns were also raised about the impact on the elderly and local businesses.

There are two alternative branches within one mile of Grange Road Post Office® and both offer improved access for wheelchairs, either via a ramp or level ground. Both branches are well served by local buses, parking is available and the route between Grange Road and St Lawrence Post Office® branches is fairly level and well lit if on foot. Having regard to these and all other relevant factors, Post Office Ltd has decided to proceed with the closure of this branch.

Post Office® Great Mongeham branch

The consultation feedback regarding Great Mongeham focused on the good work and service at the branch. It was also suggested that services at the branch were expanded rather than it be proposed for closure.

Post Office Ltd believes that the local community has reasonable alternative access to its products and services as the nearest branch (Mill Hill) which is just over a mile away. It is easily accessible to anyone in a wheelchair and offers more services and longer opening hours. There is a regular bus service with free off-peak travel for those over 60 and disabled passengers, as well as unrestricted parking close to the branch. Having regard to these and all other relevant factors, Post Office Ltd will proceed with the closure of this branch.

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Post Office® Hardy Street branch

The common themes expressed regarding the proposed closure of this branch was that this branch serves a tight knit community in a densely populated area of Maidstone, the availability of bus services and concerns about walking to the nearest alternative branch (Penenden Heath Post Office®) would be difficult for some residents.

Post Office Ltd believes there is reasonable alternative access to its products and services as Penenden Heath Post Office® is just over half a mile away from Hardy Street, and is served by buses. The route has a public footpath all the way, and there is parking close by the branch. The subpostmaster also plans to install a low-level writing counter to assist customers in wheelchairs. Having regard to these and all other relevant factors, Post Office Ltd’s final decision is to proceed with the closure of this branch.

Post Office® Hectorage Road branch

Considerable strength of feeling was expressed from the community about the impact that the proposed closure might have on the elderly and local businesses. Comments were also made about the nearest branch in Tonbridge always being busy with long queues.

The capacity of nearby branches to absorb extra customers is one of the factors that Post Office Ltd considers in drawing up its Area Plan Proposals. The Crown Office in Tonbridge is less than a mile from Hectorage Road and Post Office Ltd believes it has sufficient capacity to handle extra business. It offers a wider range of products and longer opening hours. There is a public car park opposite the branch, and it is served by buses that have access for the disabled on most vehicles. Having regard to these and all other relevant factors, Post Office Ltd is to proceed with the closure of this branch.

Post Office® High Street branch, Herne Bay

Minimal feedback was received in relation to this branch.

Both alternative branches are less than a mile away, with Herne Bay Post Office® located within half a mile. This branch has good access at both entrances for customers in wheelchairs and there is a frequent bus service with easy access vehicles, and free off-peak travel for the over 60s and disabled passengers. There is also parking available near the branch, with disabled bays. If walking, the path is level, with pedestrian crossings along the route. Having regard to these and all other relevant factors, Post Office Ltd is to proceed with the closure of this branch.

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Post Office® High Street branch, Sevenoaks

Concerns were raised about the likely impact that the proposed closure would have on elderly customers.

Post Office® believes that nearby branches offer reasonable access to its products and services to the community. The nearest alternative branch is within half a mile with access via a ramp. Having regard to these and all other relevant factors, Post Office Ltd’s final decision is to proceed with the closure of this branch.

Post Office® Hythe Road branch

Some feedback received was that closing the branch would be unfair on the local community, many of whom were old or disabled and had used the branch for many years. Other submissions also referred to parking difficulties at the nearest alternatives, and concerns over Post Office Ltd’s partnership with WH Smith. Considerable support was also shown for the existing subpostmaster, who many customers had known for some time.

The nearest alternative branch (Ashford Crown Post Office®) is just over a mile away and there are no plans to relocate this branch into a WH Smith store – it will remain under Post Office Ltd’s direct management. It has parking nearby, and is served by a local bus service. There is also a bus service to the Post Office® branch in Willesborough, which is less than a mile away. Having regard to these and all other relevant factors, Post Office Ltd is to proceed with the closure of Hythe Road Post Office® branch. Post Office® Langton Green branch

Correspondence supported the retention of the Post Office® in Langton Green and expressed opposition to using any of the alternatives due to the convenience of the existing branch. There were also concerns about the bus service to the nearest alternative branch and the lack of suitable parking facilities at the Speldhurst branch.

There are two alternative branches within two miles of Langton Green (Rusthall and Groombridge) with parking available nearby. The branch at Rusthall has improved access for customers in wheelchairs. Having regard to these and all other relevant factors, Post Office Ltd is to proceed with the closure of this branch. Post Office® Littlestone branch

Some respondents raised concerns about the ability of the alternative branches to cope with extra customers. There was also some resentment towards the proposed closure expressed by local businesses, and concerns raised about bus services and parking facilities at Greatstone. Concern was also expressed over the relocation of Folkestone Crown Post Office® to a WH Smith store.

From its visit to Littlestone Post Office® and the surrounding community, Post Office Ltd considers residents to have reasonable access to its products and services at nearby alternative branches and believes these branches will be able to absorb extra business. Parking is available at both alternative branches. 26 Page 47 Agenda Item 9

The planned relocation of the Crown Office in Folkestone into WH Smith underlines Post Office Ltd’s long-term commitment to safeguard Post Offices on high streets and in shopping centres and strengthen the business for its flagship branches. Having regard to these and all other relevant factors, Post Office Ltd is to proceed with the closure of this branch.

Post Office® Longfield Hill branch

Correspondence received for this branch raised concerns about public transport facilities.

A regular bus service is available to the Longfield branch which is less than two miles away, and car parking is available at both Longfield and Meopham Station Post Office® branches. In light of this and having regard to all other relevant factors, the final decision is to proceed with the closure of this branch. Post Office® Mead Road branch

Concerns were raised about the impact on other businesses in the area, that extra customer journeys would contribute to traffic congestion, and that the proposed closure would affect daily life.

In drawing up its Area Plan proposals, Post Office Ltd considers, among other factors, the economic impact on communities, the proximity of alternative branches and the provision of public transport. There are two alternative branches within just over a mile of Mead Road Post Office®, both served by regular buses for customers who do not have a car or choose not to drive. Parking is, however, available for those who do wish to drive. Having regard to these and all other relevant factors, Post Office Ltd’s final decision is to proceed with the closure of this branch.

Post Office® Minnis Road

The majority of respondents raised concerns about the ability of the elderly to travel to nearby Birchington, challenged the description of the journey between the two branches as being mainly level or referred to difficulties in travelling to Birchington.

From its visits to the area, Post Office Ltd noted that Birchington Post Office® branch is located little over a mile away along a mainly level well-paved road and the branch is served by a frequent bus service. Alternatively, there is parking available nearby that is free for disabled badge holders. Improvements are planned for this branch and these include better car parking and a lower writing shelf to assist customers in wheelchairs. Having regard to these and all other relevant factors, Post Office Ltd has decided to proceed with the closure of this branch.

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Post Office® New Bridge branch

Views were expressed that the alternative branch was busy and at times had only some of its counter positions open.

The two alternative branches are within a mile of New Bridge Post Office®. The journey to Dover Post Office® - just over half a mile away - is through a pedestrianised area. Alternatively, there is a regular bus service to Buckland Post Office® which is 0.9 miles away. Post Office Ltd regularly reviews customer demand at branches and works with its subpostmaster to enable them to better match service to demand. Having regard to these and all other relevant factors, Post Office Ltd's final decision is to proceed with the closure of this branch.

Post Office® Northgate branch

Respondents objected to anticipated queuing at alternative branches and that they will almost certainly have to walk to the nearest branch which is 7 minutes away by foot via a pedestrianised shopping centre and therefore not served by public transport. Concerns were also raised by local businesses using Northgate Post Office®, largely for posting mail.

The nearest alternative branch (Canterbury Crown Office) is only 0.32 miles from Northgate within the same shopping area. Post Office Ltd has reviewed the capacity of the Crown Office and believes it will be able to absorb extra customers and business. Alternatively, Hales Place Post Office® is under a mile and a half away and is served by a regular bus service. There is also parking outside this branch for customers who wish to drive. Having regard to these and all other relevant factors, Post Office Ltd’s decision is to proceed with the closure of the Northgate branch.

Post Office® Oaten Hill branch

Feedback centred on the distance to alternative branches, the provision of public transport and the impact on those who do not have their own transport or who have difficulty walking.

From its visit to Oaten Hill branch and the surrounding community, Post Office Ltd believes customers do have reasonable access to its products and services. The nearest alternative branch is situated only half a mile away with buses every ten minutes. It is accessible by customers in wheelchairs and there is parking available outside the branch for those who wish to drive. Taking these and all relevant factors into consideration the final decision is to proceed with the closure of this branch.

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Post Office® Rodmersham Green branch

Concerns from local residents centred on opposition to using Sittingbourne Crown Office branch, and that the Rodmersham Green branch was the social centre of the community. Local residents also highlighted the steep country road between the village and Sittingbourne which had no pavement and poor lighting. The lack of parking and queuing times at Sittingbourne Crown Office were also raised.

Post Office Ltd believes that the community does have reasonable alternative access to its products and services. Parking is available at the Crown Office branch in the centre of Sittingbourne. Post Office Ltd considers that there is sufficient capacity at that branch to absorb extra customers and will undertake a review of staffing, as appropriate, to ensure customers continue to receive a high level of service at all times. Having regard to these and all other relevant factors, Post Office Ltd will proceed with the closure of this branch.

Post Office® St Botolphs branch

The branch at St Botolphs is in a parade of shops next to the Sevenoaks railway station. Feedback received during the consultation process referred to the convenience for commuters of using the branch before or after work and the fact that there is a bus stop outside the branch.

There are two alternative branches within a mile of St Botolphs, including the Crown Office in Sevenoaks which is only 0.6 miles away. The Crown Office is easily accessible for customers in wheelchairs and there is a regular bus service to it. There is also parking available directly outside the Crown Office. Having regard to these and all other relevant factors, Post Office Ltd has decided to proceed with the closure of the St Botolphs branch.

Post Office® St Dunstans branch

Consultation feedback focused on the high student usage of the branch and that it was a valuable asset to the community. Concern was also raised by residents not wanting to use the new branch in WH Smith in Canterbury.

Post Office Ltd believes that local residents will have reasonable access to its products and services through the branches that will remain in the branch network. There are two alternative branches within a mile and a half, both have parking nearby and are served by local buses. Improvements are planned to Hales Place Post Office® to install an extra counter position and improved signage for the branch. Having regard to these and all other relevant factors, Post Office Ltd is to proceed with the closure of the St Dunstans branch.

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Post Office® St Johns Road branch

Customers of St Johns Road expressed concerns about poor service at the alternative branch (Five Ways Crown Office in Tunbridge Wells), in particular long queues, a lack of personal service and no convenient parking. Other concerns included the impact on elderly customers and local businesses that would have to travel further to visit a Post Office® and that the town was already considered to have a very poor provision of branches. The ability of Five Ways Crown Office to absorb extra customers has been carefully considered and Post Office Ltd does believe it has sufficient capacity. It is less than a mile away and it is served by two buses. There is also a multi-storey car park nearby which has designated spaces for disabled badge holders. There is also another branch just over a mile away, High Brooms Post Office®, which has unrestricted parking outside the branch. Having regard to these and all other relevant factors, Post Office Ltd is to proceed with the closure of this branch.

Post Office® Saltwood branch

Views received during the consultation mainly raised concern for the local elderly population and highlighted poor public transport facilities to the alternative branches if Saltwood Post Office® did not reopen – it closed temporarily in July.

Post Office Ltd considers that the local community has reasonable access to the nearest alternative branch in Hythe 1.5 miles away. There is a regular bus service to Hythe as the branch is in a general shopping area. There are plans to install an extra counter position to increase capacity at the branch. There is also parking next to the branch. Having regard to these and all other relevant factors, Post Office Ltd is to proceed with closure of this branch. Post Office® Seabrook branch

Concerns over the proposal to close Seabrook Post Office® focused on the impact on the high number of elderly customers who used the branch as well as the customers using the branch for mailing parcels.

This feedback has been reviewed alongside other factors, including the distances to nearest branches, comparative public transport availability, the plans to install an extra counter position to increase capacity at the nearest branch, the numbers of elderly people living in the area and the level of vehicle ownership. Post Office Ltd considers that there is reasonable access for customers to alternative branches. Having regard to these and all other relevant factors, the final decision is to proceed with the proposal to close the branch.

30 Page 51 Agenda Item 9

Post Office® Seal branch

Concerns were raised about the impact of the proposed closure on elderly residents who use this Post Office®.

The nearest branch is just over a mile away and there is hourly public transport to St Johns Hill and Sevenoaks. Post Office Ltd believes the alternative branches will adequately cope with expected customer numbers. Taking all of this and all other relevant factors into account the final decision is to proceed with the closure of this branch.

Post Office® Shipbourne Road branch

Correspondence received in connection with the proposed closure of Shipbourne Road highlighted customer loyalty to the existing subpostmaster, complimented current service standards and expressed opposition to using an alternative branch.

The points raised during the consultation have all been noted and considered. Both suggested alternative branches are within 1.3 miles, and are served by several buses. There is also parking close to both branches. Having regard to these and all other relevant factors, Post Office Ltd is to proceed with the closure of this branch. Post Office® Shorncliffe branch

Shorncliffe Post Office® is unusual as it was temporarily closed and re-opened since the Programme commenced in the Kent area. It is currently open with a temporary subpostmaster in post. This may have caused some uncertainty for the users of this branch. There was general opposition to our proposal to close the branch and some concerns raised in relation to the elderly.

The nearest branch is 1.1 miles away with a regular bus service. There is also parking available at the branch for customers who wish to drive. Taking these and all other relevant factors into account, the final decision has been made to proceed with the closure of this branch.

. Post Office® Sole Street branch

The consultation feedback was mainly from elderly residents in the area. Comments were that they would find it difficult to access the alternative branch in Meopham or any other, as roads are rural with no pavements, and parking at Meopham is poor. It was also stated that public transport is non-existent. Concerns were also raised about the work currently causing disruption on the nearby A2 at the currently closed Marling Bridge.

The work currently causing disruption on the A2 does not impact on the route between Sole Street and Meopham. There is a bus service to and from Meopham once a day, along with a community free bus service once a week to Gravesend. In addition there is a regular train service which is only a 2-minute journey from the branch. The community has high car ownership and the current branch has limited opening hours. Having regard to these and all other relevant factors, including a review of usage, the final decision is to proceed with the closure of this branch. 31 Agenda Item 9 Page 52

Post Office® South Ashford branch

The main concerns related to the impact on the local community and the ability of the alternative branches to absorb extra customers. We were also made aware of the Ashford growth scheme. Both of the alternative branches are within one mile and have access via public transport. Whilst the Ashford growth scheme is significant for the area as a whole, Post Office Ltd considers that there will still be sufficient access to Post Office® services in this area. Following a further review, we are confident that the surrounding branches have the capacity to cope with additional customers. Having considered all of the issues that have been raised and all other relevant factors, the final decision is to proceed with the closure of this branch.

Post Office® South End branch

The main point made by respondents was that they did not want to use the alternative branch.

The alternative branch is still within Edenbridge, just along the High Street. It is an eight-minute walk or a three-minute bus ride, away. Post Office Ltd believes that the Edenbridge High St branch can cope with the expected additional business. Having regard to these and all other relevant factors, the final decision is to proceed with the closure of this branch.

Post Office® South Park branch

During the local public consultation period, the main comments were regarding the convenience of the existing branch and how the proposed closure would affect local residents.

Post Office Ltd has considered the distance to the alternative branch. The alternative branch is 0.6 miles with a regular bus service. The route to the alternative branch is along public footpaths that are well lit and parking is available for customers who choose to drive. With this in mind, and taking all other relevant factors into account, Post Office Ltd’s final decision is to proceed with the closure of this branch.

Post Office® South Willesborough branch

During the local public consultation period, no specific issues were raised regarding this proposal.

With two alternative branches within a mile, Post Office Ltd believes customers have reasonable access to its products and services. At Newtown Post Office® planned improvements include longer opening times, the installation of a ramp to assist customers in wheelchairs and an extra serving position. Having regard to these and all other relevant factors, Post Office Ltd is to proceed with the closure of this branch.

32 Page 53 Agenda Item 9

Post Office® Station Road branch, Gillingham

General opposition to the proposed closure was received during consultation rather than any specific concerns.

The nearest alternative branch is less than half a mile away, with unrestricted parking nearby and a regular bus service. Having considered this and all other relevant factors, the decision is to proceed with the closure of this branch.

Post Office® Station Road branch, Staplehurst

Minimal feedback was received in relation to this branch.

A full review has been conducted, taking all relevant factors into consideration, and the final decision is to proceed with the closure of this branch. Post Office® Temple Hill branch

Feedback received during the consultation was focused on the inconvenience of using the alternative branch and the distance involved to walk to it.

The alternative branch is 1 .1 mile away and the bus frequency is every ten minutes. Having considered this and all other relevant factors, the final decision is to proceed with the closure of this branch. Post Office® Tower Hamlets branch

Most of the correspondence from residents in Tower Hamlets focussed on the importance of the branch in the local community, its historic importance and the good customer service offered by the existing subpostmaster and staff. This is a fairly densely populated area and there was also concern over customer migration to and the queues at other branches. Usage of the branch by the local school was also referred to.

Both alternative branches are less than a mile away, with parking available nearby. Buckland Post Office® also has plans to increase opening hours and improve signage to highlight the services it offers to disabled customers. Having regard to these and all other relevant factors, Post Office Ltd is to proceed with the closure of this branch.

Post Office® Upper Deal branch

Most of the points raised by respondents related to the availability of public transport and how to walk or travel to the nearest alternative branch.

Bus transport is available every 30 minutes and the nearest branch at Mill Hill, which is along a mainly level route, is within one mile of the existing branch. Post Office Ltd is satisfied with the ability of Mill Hill and the surrounding branches to cope with the expected customer migration. Having regard to these and all other relevant factors, the final decision is to proceed with the closure of this branch.

33 Agenda Item 9 Page 54

Post Office® Westbook branch

Consultation responses highlighted new development in the area and of some development that has already occurred. We were also made aware of the inclines between this and the nearest branch and of the bad winter weather that can affect customers travelling to other branches along the Margate seafront.

Consideration has been given to the redevelopment in the area, much of which is still in the planning stage. New development which is now complete has not seriously affected customer numbers at the branch, as customer levels have remained fairly static for the past 12 months. Although the route to the nearest branch, which is just over a mile away, is not level, there is a public transport service every 15 minutes. Margate Crown Office is also less than a mile away served by a number of direct buses. Having regard to these and all other relevant factors, Post Office Ltd is to proceed with the closure.

Post Office® Wilmington branch

Consultation feedback received from Wilmington residents referred to the Post Office® as the centre of community life. It also highlighted the high proportion of elderly people living in the village.

This has been considered and Post Office Ltd understands the concerns of the community. However, there are two alternative branches within two miles of Wilmington Post Office, with a regular bus service to Hextable Post Office®. There is also parking available outside both branches. Having regard to these and all other relevant factors, Post Office Ltd is to proceed with the closure of this branch. Post Office® Woodnesborough branch

The main concerns raised during the local public consultation for this branch related to the impact the closure would have on the community. Concerns were also raised regarding the availability of public transport and the impact on the elderly population.

Regular public transport is available to both suggested alternative branches and parking is also available close by. Having regard to these and all other relevant factors, the final decision is to proceed with the closure of Woodnesborough Post Office

Post Office® Wrotham Road branch

Respondents expressed concerns regarding the walk to the nearest alternatives and brought to our attention, a possible housing development nearby. Concerns were also expressed over customer migration to the WH Smith branch in Gravesend.

There are two alternative branches both within one mile of the Wrotham Road Post Office® branch and we are confident of the ability of the WH Smith branch to handle the predicted migration. Future housing developments for this area have also been considered. Therefore, taking into account all of the input from the local public consultation and all other relevant factors, the final decision is to proceed with the closure of this branch. 34 Page 55 Agenda Item 9

5. Proposed changes to the Area Plan Proposal as a result of local public consultation

In implementing the Programme across the UK, Post Office Ltd must meet the requirements set out by the Government which include:

x The compulsory compensated closure of up to 2500 branches. x The introduction of about 500 Outreach service points. x Compliance with the minimum access criteria. x That the population of any one area, any one country in the UK or any group of people is not overall significantly more adversely affected by the Programme than the population of any other area, country or group of people (as appropriate). x That there should be a broadly similar number of compulsory compensated branch closures pursuant to the Programme in rural areas as in urban areas (including deprived urban areas) across the UK as a whole. x That there should be a broadly similar number of compulsory compensated branch closures pursuant to the Programme in any one country as in the whole of the UK.

As indicated previously, Post Office Ltd has decided not to proceed with the closure of the Cliff’s End and Hawkhurst branches. Following a further review of the area Post Office Ltd is now proposing that the following branches should be closed instead:

Post Office® Goodnestone branch, Sadlers Hill, Goodnestone, Canterbury, CT3 1PE Post Office® Lane End branch, Whitbread Cottage, Darenth, Dartford, DA2 7JR

A six-week period of local public consultation will commence shortly in relation to the proposed closure of these alternative branches.

35 Agenda Item 9 Page 56

36 Page 57 Agenda Item 9

6. Conclusion

We appreciate that any decision to close a Post Office® branch will often be unpopular. Nevertheless, Post Office Ltd has to make decisions to close branches in order to put the Network on a more stable footing for the future and achieve this in a way which best meets the demands and concerns of its customers.

As has been indicated previously, there is a process by which Postwatch can request a further review of changes that Post Office Ltd proposes to make to the Network. Following the conclusion of any such further review Post Office Ltd’s decision is final and there is no appeal procedure to Post Office Ltd.

Post Office Ltd understands the importance of its role in both urban and rural communities and is keen to continue to provide access to services for as many customers in as many of these communities as possible. In implementing the Programme in the Kent area, we have considered the relative convenience of alternative branches for those customers whose closest branch will close. Of the 9% of customers who use a branch that will close, 8.3% will have access to Post Office® services within one mile as measured by road distance (3% being within half a mile of their nearest alternative). In total 99.3% of the population will either see no change, or will be within one mile of an alternative branch.

We were pleased to be able to retain 58 branches in the Kent area that support the only essential retailer and 106 branches that provide the only access to cash in the respective rural communities that they serve.

After the changes have been implemented, Post Office Ltd will remain the largest retailer by network size in the area, and will still have more branches open than all of the major banks and building societies combined. More than 99% of the population will see no change to the branch that they currently use or would remain within one mile of an alternative outlet.

It is proposed that 18 branches within the Kent area will have improvement works in order to provide better disabled access or increase the number of counter positions to ensure that they have sufficient capacity for customers migrating from other branches.

It is very important to us that our customers are kept informed of any changes to the Network and that we provide them with full details of alternative options to enable them to continue to access Post Office services.

In each of the branches that will be closed posters will be displayed to inform our customers. Further information will be provided to confirm the actual dates the closures will take place. Press releases will also be issued.

In line with the Code of Practice agreed between Post Office Ltd and Postwatch, any closures or other changes will take effect not less than four weeks after the decision is announced.

A copy of this decision booklet is available on our website at www.postoffice.co.uk/networkchange.

37 Agenda Item 9 Page 58

38 Page 59 Agenda Item 9 Appendix 1 Kent Area Plan - closing branches

Branch name Address Town/City Post Code Constituency Local Authority

Ashford Borough Council / Hythe Road 79 Hythe Road Ashford TN24 8PH Ashford Kent County Council

Ashford Borough Council / South Ashford '108 Beaver Road Ashford TN23 7ST Ashford Kent County Council

South 62 Gladstone Road, Ashford Borough Council / Willesborough South Willesborough Ashford TN24 0BY Ashford Kent County Council

Canterbury City Council / Canterbury Road 14-16 Canterbury Road Whitstable CT5 4EX Canterbury Kent County Council

Canterbury City Council / Oaten Hill 3-4 Oaten Hill Canterbury CT1 3HP Canterbury Kent County Council

Canterbury City Council / Northgate 65 Northgate Canterbury CT1 1BB Canterbury Kent County Council

Canterbury City Council / St Dunstans 21-23 Whitstable Road Canterbury CT2 8DG Canterbury Kent County Council

Dartford Borough Council / Longfield Hill Main Road, Longfield Hill Dartford DA3 7AS Dartford Kent County Council

Dartford Borough Council / Mead Road 11 Mead Road Dartford DA1 2RH Dartford Kent County Council

Dartford Borough Council / Temple Hill 11 Temple Hill Square Dartford DA1 5HY Dartford Kent County Council

Dartford Borough Council / Wilmington 221 High Road Dartford DA2 7BU Dartford Kent County Council

Duke Of Dover District Council / York's School Guston Dover CT15 5DZ Dover Kent County Council

Dover District Council / New Bridge 15 Bench Street Dover CT16 1JW Dover Kent County Council

Dover District Council / Tower Hamlets 14 West Street Dover CT17 0DU Dover Kent County Council

Dover District Council / Upper Deal 311 London Road Deal CT14 9PP Dover Kent County Council

Great Mongeham Farm, Dover District Council / Mongeham Great Mongeham Deal CT14 0HB Dover Kent County Council

Page 1 of 4 Agenda Item 9 Page 60 Appendix 1 Kent Area Plan - closing branches

Capel Le Ferne Village Hall, Lancaster Avenue, Dover District Council / Capel Le Ferne Capel Le Ferne Folkestone CT18 7LX Dover Kent County Council

4 Warren Road, Folkestone Shepway District Council / Littlestone Littlestone New Romney TN28 8PN and Hythe Kent County Council

Folkestone Shepway District Council / Enbrook Valley 99 Enbrook Valley Folkestone CT20 3NE and Hythe Kent County Council

The Fountain Stores, Folkestone Shepway District Council / Saltwood The Green, Saltwood Hythe CT21 4PS and Hythe Kent County Council

Folkestone Shepway District Council / Seabrook 246 Seabrook Road Hythe CT21 5RQ and Hythe Kent County Council

Folkestone Shepway District Council / Shorncliffe '2 Royal Military Avenue Folkestone CT20 3EF and Hythe Kent County Council 25 High Street, Brompton Brompton Gillingham ME7 5AA Gillingham Medway Council

Byron Road 34 Byron Road Gillingham ME7 5QH Gillingham Medway Council

Station Road 129 Station Road Gillingham ME8 7SP Gillingham Medway Council

Gravesham Borough Council / Denton 4 East Milton Road Gravesend DA12 2JL Gravesham Kent County Council

The Little Shoppe, Gravesham Borough Council / Sole Street Brompton Gravesend DA12 3AX Gravesham Kent County Council

Gravesham Borough Council / Wrotham Road 46 Wrotham Road Gravesend DA11 0QF Gravesham Kent County Council Tunbridge Wells Benenden Maidstone Borough Council / Chest Hospital Goddards Green Road Cranbrook TN17 4AX and the Weald Kent County Council

Maidstone Maidstone Borough Council / Hardy Street 84-86 Hardy Street Maidstone ME14 2SJ and the Weald Kent County Council

Maidstone Maidstone Borough Council / South Park 192 Loose Road Maidstone ME15 7UF and the Weald Kent County Council

Station Road, Maidstone Maidstone Borough Council / Station Road Staplehurst Tonbridge TN12 0QH and the Weald Kent County Council Tunbridge Wells Station Garage, Maidstone Borough Council / Gills Green Gills Green Hawkhurst TN18 5EP and the Weald Kent County Council

Bingham Road 185 Frindsbury Road Rochester ME2 4JN Medway Medway Council

Page 2 of 4 Page 61 Agenda Item 9 Appendix 1 Kent Area Plan - closing branches

Thanet District Council / Dane Road 55 Upper Dane Road Margate CT9 2NA North Thanet Kent County Council

Canterbury City Council / High Street '3 High Street Herne Bay CT6 5LJ North Thanet Kent County Council

Thanet District Council / Approach Road 63 Approach Road Margate CT9 2AP North Thanet Kent County Council

Thanet District Council / Minnis Road '137 Minnis Road Birchington CT7 9NS North Thanet Kent County Council

Thanet District Council / Westbrook 101 Canterbury Road Margate CT9 5AX North Thanet Kent County Council The Old Forge Tea Rooms, Sevenoaks District Council / Eynsford 2 Riverside, Eynsford Dartford DA4 0AE Sevenoaks Kent County Council

3 High Street, Sevenoaks District Council / Farningham Farningham Dartford DA4 0DG Sevenoaks Kent County Council

Sevenoaks District Council / High Street 13 High Street Sevenoaks TN13 1HZ Sevenoaks Kent County Council

2 Station Parade, Sevenoaks District Council / St Botolphs St Botolphs Sevenoaks TN13 1DL Sevenoaks Kent County Council

Sevenoaks District Council / Seal 23-25 High Street, Seal Sevenoaks TN15 0AW Sevenoaks Kent County Council

Sittingbourne Swale Borough Council / East Street 85-89 East Street Sittingbourne ME10 4BL and Sheppey Kent County Council

Rodmersham 1 St Patricks Row, Sittingbourne Swale Borough Council / Green Rodmersham Green Sittingbourne ME9 0PS and Sheppey Kent County Council

69 London Road, Sittingbourne Swale Borough Council / Chalkwell Milton Regis Sittingbourne ME10 1NQ and Sheppey Kent County Council

The Street, Dover District Council / Woodnesborough Woodnesborough Sandwich CT13 0NF South Thanet Kent County Council

Thanet District Council / Bellevue Road 13 Bellevue Road Ramsgate CT11 8LB South Thanet Kent County Council

Thanet District Council / Grange Road 34, Grange Road Ramsgate CT11 9LP South Thanet Kent County Council Tonbridge & Malling Tonbridge Borough Council / Hectorage Road 82 Goldsmid Road Tonbridge TN9 2BY and Malling Kent County Council

Page 3 of 4 Agenda Item 9 Page 62 Appendix 1 Kent Area Plan - closing branches

Tonbridge & Malling Tonbridge Borough Council / Shipbourne Road 55 Shipbourne Road Tonbridge TN10 3DS and Malling Kent County Council

Tonbridge Sevenoaks District Council / South End '115 High Street Edenbridge TN8 5AX and Malling Kent County Council Tunbridge Wells 14 Bidborough Ridge, Borough Council / Bidborough Bidborough Tunbridge Wells TN3 0XD Tunbridge Wells Kent County Council Tunbridge Wells Borough Council / Langton Green Langton Road Tunbridge Wells TN3 0EG Tunbridge Wells Kent County Council Tunbridge Wells Borough Council / St Johns Road '57 St Johns Road Tunbridge Wells TN4 9TP Tunbridge Wells Kent County Council

Page 4 of 4 Page 63 Agenda Item 9 Appendix 2 Kent Area Plan - remaining branches Branch name Address Town/City Postcode Aldington Claphill Ashford TN25 7DA All Hallows 172-178 Avery Way, All Hallows Rochester ME3 9QJ 2 Appledore Court, Hildenborough Allington Crescent Maidstone ME16 0PA Appledore 53 The Street Ashford TN26 2AF Ash (branch temporarily closed) Poparound, 31 The Street, Ash Canterbury CT3 2HH Ashford Tufton Street Ashford TN23 1AA Paydens Ltd, 126-128 Ashford Road, Ashford Road Bearsted Maidstone ME14 4LX Aycliffe 18 St Giles Close Dover CT17 9HZ Aylesford The Village Stores, 32 High Street Aylesford ME20 7BA Aylesham Market Square Canterbury CT3 3DZ Barham Valley Road, Barnham Canterbury CT4 6NX Barming 16 Bull Orchard Maidstone ME16 9EU Barton 117 New Dover Road Canterbury CT1 3EG

Bean Bean Stores, Southfleet Road, Bean Dartford DA2 8BS Beltinge 150 Reculver Road Herne Bay CT6 6PL Benenden The Village Shop, The Street Benenden TN17 4DB Bethersden The Street, Bethersden Ashford TN26 3AD Biddenden Council Car Park, Biddenden Ashford TN27 8AL Birchington 76 Station Road Birchington CT7 9RA Blean 7 Tyler Hill Road, Blean Canterbury CT2 9HP Bligh Way 181 Bligh Way Rochester ME2 2XG Bockhanger 4 Bockhanger Court Ashford TN24 9JJ Borough Green 70 Western Road Sevenoaks TN15 8AH 184-186 The Street, Boughton Boughton Under Blean Faversham ME13 9AL 52 Church Street, Boughton Boughton Monchelsea Monchelsea Maidstone ME17 4HW Post Office, Lees Road, Brabourne Brabourne Lees Lees Ashford TN25 6QE Bredgar The Street, Bredgar Sittingbourne ME9 8EX Brenchley 3 Old Palace, Brenchley Tonbridge TN12 7NL Brenzett King Street, Brenzett Romney Marsh TN29 9UD Bridge 16 High Street Canterbury CT4 5JY Broadstairs 15/16 The Broadway Broadstairs CT10 2AD Brookfield 7 Brookfield Court Ashford TN23 5ER Broomfield 98 Margate Road Herne Bay CT6 7AG Buckland 71-72 London Road Dover CT17 0SR Burham 147 Rochester Road, Burham Rochester ME1 3SF Canterbury 29 High Street Canterbury CT1 2BA Challock The Lees, Challock Ashford TN25 4BP Charing 48 High Street, Charing Ashford TN27 0HX Chart Sutton Chart Corner, Chart Sutton Maidstone ME17 3SB

Page 1 of 8 Agenda Item 9 Page 64 Appendix 2 Kent Area Plan - remaining branches Chastilian Road 39 Chastilian Road Dartford DA1 3JP Chatham Unit 13, The Pentagon Centre Chatham ME4 4HP Cheriton 38-40 High Street, Cheriton Folkestone CT19 4ET Chiddingstone, '3 The Village, Chiddingstone Chiddingstone Edenbridge TN8 7HF Chiddingstone Causeway Chiddingstone Causeway Tonbridge TN11 8JP Chilham The Street, Chilham Canterbury CT4 8BX Cliffe Woods 9 Parkside Parade, Cliffe Woods Rochester ME3 8HX Cliff's End Cliff's End Village Hall, Foads Lane Ramsgate CT12 5JH 196/198 Northdown Road, Cliftonville Cliftonville Margate CT9 2QN 2 Hamilton House, Heath Road, Coxheath Coxheath Maidstone ME17 4DF Crabble 1 Buckland Avenue Dover CT16 2NR Cranbrook Alldays, 54 High Street Cranbrook TN17 3DN Crockenhill 4-5 Broadway, 'Crockenhill Swanley BR8 8JH Costcutter, Wrotham Road, Culverstone 'Culverstone Gravesend DA13 0RQ Cuxton 68 Bush Road, Cuxton Rochester ME2 1EY Dartford 19 Hythe Street Dartford DA1 1AB Davis Estate 3 Shirley Avenue Chatham ME5 9UP Deal 17-19 Queen Street Deal CT14 6ET Deanswood 19-21 Parkwood Green Gillingham ME8 9PW Delce Road 181 Rochester Avenue Rochester ME1 2DS Densole 382 Canterbury Road, Densole Folkestone CT18 7BG Detling 16-20 The Street Maidstone ME14 3JT Ditton 50 New Road Maidstone ME20 6AD Dover 68/72 Pencester Road Dover CT16 1BW Dover Road 97 Dover Road Folkestone CT20 1LA Dumpton 210 Ramsgate Road Broadstairs CT10 2EW Dymchurch Park Parade Romney Marsh TN29 0NT

Dynes Road Kemsing 8 The Parade, Dynes Road, Kemsing Sevenoaks TN15 6RE c/o Staplehurst SPSO, 3 Milestone East Farleigh home service Buildings Tonbridge TN12 0AB Village Hall, The Street, East East Langdon Langdon Dover CT15 5JH East Minster 276-278 Minster Road, Minster Sheerness ME12 3LR East Peckham 7-9 Pound Road, East Peckham Tonbridge TN12 5AU Eastchurch 55 High Street, Eastchurch Sheerness ME12 4BN Londis Supermarket, Askew House, Eastry Sandwich Road, Eastry Sandwich CT13 0HB Eccles Village Hall, 3/5 Varnes Street, Eccles Aylesford Maidstone ME20 7HH Edenbridge 36 High Street Edenbridge TN8 5AB Egerton The Street, Egerton Ashford TN27 9DJ Elham 4-6 High Street, Elham Canterbury CT4 6TH

Page 2 of 8 Page 65 Agenda Item 9 Appendix 2 Kent Area Plan - remaining branches Elvington Grocery Store, 29 Adelaide Elvington Road, Elvington Dover CT15 4DP Eythorne 2 Sandwich Road Dover CT15 4AA Faversham East Street Faversham ME13 8AA Fawkham Green (serve and The Rising Sun Public House, store) Fawkham, Longfield Dartfield DA3 8NL Five Oak Green Badsell Road, Five Oak Green Tonbridge TN12 6RB Five Ways 18 Grosvenor Road Tunbridge Wells TN1 2AD Fleetdale Parade 2-4 Fleetdale Parade Dartford DA2 6JB Folkestone 7-9 Bouverie Place Folkestone CT20 1AB Foord 94 Blackbull Road Folkestone CT19 5QX The Bell and Jorrocks Inn, Biddenden Frittenden Road, Frittenden Cranbrook TN17 2EJ Garlinge 166-168 Canterbury Road, Garlinge Margate CT9 5JW Gillingham 47 Green Street Gillingham ME7 1AA Goudhurst Burgess Stores, High Street Goudhurst TN17 1AL Grafty Green Headcorn Road, Grafty Green Maidstone ME17 2AN Gravesend 144-145 Milton Road Gravesend DA12 2AA

Great Chart (serve and store) Great Chart, 3 Tally Ho, Stubbs Cross Ashford TN26 1HJ Greatstone 10 The Parade, Greatatone On Sea New Romney TN28 8NP Greenhithe 1 Park Terrace, Greenhithe Dartford DA9 9EL Greggs Wood Road 102 Greggs Wood Road Tunbridge Wells TN2 3JG Grove Green Unit 6, Grove Green Centre Maidstone ME14 5TQ Hadlow High Street, Hadlow Tonbridge TN11 0EE Haine Cross Road 475 Margate Road Broadstairs CT10 2QJ Hales Place 2 Hales Drive Canterbury CT2 7AB Halfway Houses 17-19 Minster Road Sheerness ME12 3JE Hallwood 9 Kestrel Road Chatham ME5 8TH Halstead Knockholt Road, Halstead Sevenoaks TN14 7EU Hamstreet The Street, Hamstreet, Ashford Ashford TN26 2HG 34 West Street, '3 Milestone Harrietsham Buildings, Maidstone ME17 1HX Hartley Ash Road, Hartley, 'Longfield Dartford DA3 8EH Hawkenbury 1 Nelson Road, Hawkenbury, Tunbridge Wells TN2 5AW Hawkhurst High Street, Hawkhurst Cranbrook TN18 4AA Hawkinge Community Centre, Hawkinge 'Heron Forstal Avenue, Hawkinge Folkestone CT18 7BP Headcorn 28 High Street, Headcorn Ashford TN27 9NE Hempstead 142 Hempstead Road, Hempstead Gillingham ME7 3QE Herne Herne Street Herne Bay CT6 7HQ Co-op Supermarket, 160, Mortimer Herne Bay Street Herne Bay CT6 5DU Hersden The Avenue, 'Hersden Canterbury CT3 4HL Hever Road Hever Road, 'West Kingsdown Sevenoaks TN15 6HD Hextable 2 Home Hill, Hextable Swanley BR8 7RR High Brooms 70 High Brooms Road Royal Tunbridge Wells TN4 9BN

Page 3 of 8 Agenda Item 9 Page 66 Appendix 2 Kent Area Plan - remaining branches Memorial Hall, 'Ashford Road, High High Halden Halden Ashford TN26 3LY High Halstow 21 Christmas Lane Rochester ME3 8SN High Street 30 High Street Maidstone ME14 1JF Higham Wood 11 Martin Hardie Way Tonbridge TN10 4AE 186-188 Tonbridge Road, Hildenborough 'Hildenborough Tonbridge TN11 9HR

Hollingbourne 50-52 Eyhorne Street, Hollingbourne Maidstone ME17 1TS Holly Lane 372 Northdown Road Margate CT9 3PQ Hoo 15 Main Street Rochester ME3 9AA Horns Cross 287 London Road Greenhithe DA9 9DA Horsmonden The Heath, 'Horsmonden Tonbridge TN12 8HT Horsted 1B Beatty Road Rochester ME1 2TG Hothfield 32 The Street, Hothfield Ashford TN26 1ES Hythe 31/33 High Street Hythe CT21 5AD Ide Hill Ide Hill Sevenoaks TN14 6JN Isle Of Grain 27 High Street, Isle of Grain Rochester ME3 0BJ Istead Rise 62 The Parade, 'Istead Rise Gravesend DA13 9JF The Village Hall, Ivychurch Road, Ivychurch Ivychurch Romney Marsh TN29 0EE Iwade 16 Ferry Road, Iwade Sittingbourne ME9 8RR Joydens Wood 64 Summerhouse Drive Bexley DA5 2EE Kemsing St Edith Road Sevenoaks TN15 6ND Kemsley 2 Hurst Lane, Kemsley Sittingbourne ME10 2SS Kennington 225 Faversham Road Ashford TN24 9AF Kingsdown Upper Street Deal CT14 8BJ Kingsley Road 118 Kingsley Road Maidstone ME15 7UL Kingsnorth Village Hall, Church Hill, 'Kingsnorth Ashford TN23 3EF Kingsnorth Road The Post Office, Kingsnorth Road Ashford TN23 6HZ Kingswood 29 Charlesford Avenue, Kingswood Maidstone ME17 3PE

Lamberhurst Victoria House Stores, Lamberhurst Tunbridge Wells TN3 8EE Lambton Road 194 Coombevalley Road Dover CT17 0HG Larkfield 24-28 Martin Square Maidstone ME20 6QJ Leigh Park View, High Street, Leigh Tonbridge TN11 8RL Lenham The Square, Lenham Maidstone ME17 2PH Unit 1 Leysdown Road, 'Leysdown Leysdown On Sea On Sea Sheerness ME12 4RE Village Hall, 58 High Street, Littlebourne Littlebourne Canterbury CT3 1ST Livingstone Road 12 Livingstone Road Gravesend DA12 5DZ Longfield 20 Station Road, Longfield Dartford DA3 7QD Loose Old Loose Hill, Loose Maidstone ME15 0AA Lordswood 7 Admirals Walk, Lordswood Chatham ME5 8NL Lower Halling 95 High Street, Halling Rochester ME2 1BS Lower Halstow 1 The Green Sittingbourne ME9 7DT

Page 4 of 8 Page 67 Agenda Item 9 Appendix 2 Kent Area Plan - remaining branches 1-2 Sandra Court, High Street, Lower Lower Stoke Stoke Rochester ME3 9RA Luton 50 Luton High Street Chatham ME5 7LJ Lydd 84-86 High Street, Lydd Romney Marsh TN29 9AW Lyminge 13 Station Road, Lyminge Folkestone CT18 8HS Lympne Honeywood Close, Lympne Hythe CT21 4JR Maidstone Town 89 Bank Street Maidstone ME14 1SD Mangravet 4 Mangravet Avenue Maidstone ME15 9BQ Marden High Street, Marden Tonbridge TN12 9DP Margate 22-23 Cecil Square Margate CT9 1AA Matfield The Green, Matfield Tonbridge TN12 7LA 2 Neville Place, Wrotham Road, Meopham Station Meopham Gravesend DA13 0HS Mersham 8 The Street Ashford TN25 6NA Mid Higham 2 Hermitage Road, Higham Rochester ME3 7DA Co-operative Retail Services Ltd, Mill Hill Beauchamp Avenue Deal CT14 9EX Milton Regis 75-77 High Street Sittingbourne ME10 2AR Minster High Street, Minster Ramsgate CT12 4AB Minster On Sea 4 Chapel Street, Minster on Sea Sheerness ME12 3QG Murston 2 Church Road Sittingbourne ME10 3RE New Ash Green 19-21 The Row, New Ash Green Longfield DA3 8JB New Romney 9 St Lawrence Court, High Street New Romney TN28 8BU Newchurch St Mary's Road, Newchurch Romney Marsh TN29 0DP Newington 44 High Street, Newington Sittingbourne ME9 7JR Newington 85 Newington Road Ramsgate CT12 6PP Newtown 20 Newtown Green, Newtown Ashford TN24 0PE

North Willesborough 104 Albermarle Road, Willesborough Ashford TN24 0HN Northwood 306 Margate Road Ramsgate CT12 6AN Otford 6 Sevenoaks Road, Otford Sevenoaks TN14 5PB Paddock Wood 19-23 Commercial Road Paddock Wood TN12 6EN Painters Ash 33 Deneholm Road Gravesend DA11 8LG Park Wood 9-10 Parkwood Parade Maidstone ME15 9HL Pembury 47 Hastings Road, Pembury Tunbridge Wells TN2 4PB Penenden Heath 321 Boxley Road Maidstone ME14 2HN Penshurst The Old Forge Garage, Penshurst Tonbridge TN11 8BU Perry Street 4 Perry Street Gravesend DA11 8QU Plaxtol The Street, Plaxtol Sevenoaks TN15 0QF Pluckley The Street Ashford TN27 0QT Post Barn 5 Scotteswood Avenue Chatham ME4 6HB Newstrack, Princes Avenue, The Princes Avenue Neighbourhood Centre Chatham ME5 7PQ Queenborough 5 Main Road Queenborough ME11 5QQ Rainham 119 High Street, Rainham Gillingham ME8 8AN Ramsgate 42/48 High Street Ramsgate CT11 9AA Ramslye 1-2 Ropers Gate Tunbridge Wells TN4 8JE

Page 5 of 8 Agenda Item 9 Page 68 Appendix 2 Kent Area Plan - remaining branches Reading Street 30 Reading Street Broadstairs CT10 3AZ Ringlestone 81 Chatham Road Maidstone ME14 2LY River 1 Chilton Way Dover CT17 0QB Day Lewis Chemists, 2 The Square, Riverhead Riverhead Sevenoaks TN13 2AA Riverview Park 4-6 The Alma, Leander Drive Gravesend DA12 4NG Rochester 130 High Street Rochester ME1 1JT Rolvenden 48-50 High Street, Rolvenden Cranbrook TN17 4LN Rosherville 52 London Road Gravesend DA11 9JR Rough Common 77 Rough Common Road Canterbury CT2 9DA Rusthall 20-22 High Street, Rusthall Tunbridge Wells TN4 8RW The Village Stores, Lower Green, Sandhurst Sandhurst Cranbrook TN18 5JS Sandwich 16-20 Market Street Sandwich CT13 9DA Sea Street 111 Sea Street Herne Bay CT6 8QX Seasalter 118 Joy Lane, Seasalter Whitstable CT5 4ES Sellindge Main Road, Sellindge Ashford TN25 6JA Sevenoaks South Park Sevenoaks TN13 1AA Shalmsford Street 105 Shalmsford Street, Chartham Canterbury CT4 7RQ Sheerness 33 Broadway Sheerness ME12 1AA Shepherdswell 1 Church Hill, Shepherdswell Dover CT15 7NR Shoreham Parish Hall, High Street, Shoreham Shoreham Sevenoaks TN14 7TB Singleton Unit 6 Singleton Centre, Singleton Ashford TN23 5GR Singlewell Road 129 Singlewell Road Gravesend DA11 7QA Sissinghurst The Street, Sissinghurst Cranbrook TN17 2JJ Sittingbourne Central Avenue Sittingbourne ME10 4AA Smarden The Street Ashford TN27 8NA Snodland 46 High Street Snodland ME6 5DA South Darenth Holmesdale Road, South Darenth Dartford DA4 9AF Southborough 68 London Road Tunbridge Wells TN4 0PR Speldhurst Barden Road, Speldhurst Tunbridge Wells TN3 0QD St Georges 23A Lower Bridge Street Canterbury CT1 2LG St Johns Hill 44-46 Seal Road Sevenoaks TN14 5AR St Lawrence 36-42 High Street, St Lawrence Ramsgate CT11 0QW St Margarets At Cliffe High Street, St Margarets At Cliffe Dover CT15 6AU St Martins Hill St Martins Hill Canterbury CT1 1PU St Marys Bay 1 Teelin Close Romney Marsh TN29 0SE St Michaels Ashford Road Tenterden TN30 6PR St Nicholas At Wade The Length Birchington CT7 0PW Stanhope Stanhope Square Ashford TN23 5SH Staplehurst 3 Milestone Buildings, Staplehurst Tonbridge TN12 0AB Stelling Minnis Stores, 'Stelling Stelling Minnis Minnis Canterbury CT4 6AS Parsonage Farm, The Street, Stockbury Stockbury Sittingbourne ME9 7UJ Strood 13/17 North Street, Strood Rochester ME2 4SL

Page 6 of 8 Page 69 Agenda Item 9 Appendix 2 Kent Area Plan - remaining branches Stubbs Cross 3 Tally Ho Road Ashford TN26 1HJ Sturdee Avenue 48-49 Sturdee Avenue Gillingham ME7 2HN Sturry 9 High Street, Sturry Canterbury CT2 0BD Sturry Road 258 Sturry Road Caterbury CT1 1HQ Summerfield Road 9 Summerfield Road Margate CT9 3EZ Sundridge 144 Main Road, Sundridge Sevenoaks TN14 6ET Sutton Valence Broad Street, Sutton Valence Maidstone ME17 3AJ Swalecliffe 86 Herne Bay Road Whitstable CT5 2LX Swanley London Road Swanley BR8 7AA Swanscombe 29-33 High Street Swanscombe DA10 0AG Tankerton 141 Tankerton Road, Tankerton Whitstable CT5 2AW Temple Ewell 181 London Road Dover CT16 3DF Tenterden 2 Manor Row Tenterden TN30 6HP Teston Church Street, Teston Maidstone ME18 5AH Teynham 105 London Road, Teynham Sittingbourne ME9 9QL Thames Way Imperial Retail Park, Thames Way Gravesend DA11 0DQ The Street, Doddington, The Chequers Inn Sittingbourne Kent ME9 0BG The Fairway 68 The Fairway Rochester ME1 2LU The Moor The Moor Cranbrook TN18 4NX The Temple 5 Cedar Road Rochester ME2 2HB The Three Mariners 2 Church Road, Oare, Faversham Kent ME13 0QA The White Lion The Street, Selling Faversham ME13 9RQ Tonbridge 5 Angel Walk Tonbridge TN9 1TJ Tovil 4/6 Church Street Maidstone ME15 6RB Twydall 4-5 Twydall Green Gillingham ME8 6JY Upchurch 1 Oak Lane, Upchurch Sittingbourne ME9 7AT Upstreet 67 Island Road Canterbury CT3 4BZ Valley Drive 2 The Parade, Valley Drive Gravesend DA12 5RT Vigo Village 3 The Bay, Meopham Gravesend DA13 0TD Walderslade 363-367 Walderslade Road Chatham ME5 9LL Walmer 329 Dover Road, Walmer Deal CT14 7NX Wateringbury 192 Tonbridge Road Wateringbury ME18 5NL 18 Twisden Road, 'Watermeadow Watermeadow Estate East Malling ME19 6SA Watling Street 91 Watling Street Gillingham ME7 2YX Wayfields 173-175 Wayfield Road Chatham ME5 0HD The Old Bakery, 1 Felicity Cottages, Weald Long Barn Road Plaxtol, Sevenoaks TN14 6PY Weeds Wood 50 Silverweed Road Chatham ME5 0QX West Malling 30 Swan Street West Malling ME19 6JZ Westerham 10 Market Square Westerham TN16 1AW Westgate On Sea 76 St Mildreds Road Westgate-On-Sea CT8 8RN Bewsbury Cross Stores, Bewsbury Whitfield Cross Lane, Whitfield Dover CT16 3HB Whitstable Gladstone Road Whitstable CT5 1AA Wigmore 71 Woodside Gillingham ME8 0PN

Page 7 of 8 Agenda Item 9 Page 70 Appendix 2 Kent Area Plan - remaining branches Willesborough 65 Church Road, Willesborough Ashford TN24 0JZ Willington 431 Willington Street Maidstone ME15 8HD Wincheap 56 Wincheap Canterbury CT1 3RS Wingham 71 High Street, Wingham Canterbury CT3 1AA Witterhsam, Wittersham Village Hall, Wittersham The Street Wittersham TN30 7EA Woodchurch 13 Front Road, Woodchurch Ashford TN26 3PA Wouldham 134 High Street, Wouldham Rochester ME1 3UQ Wye The Green, Wye Ashford TN25 5AJ Yalding High Street Maidstone ME18 6HS York Parade 8 York Parade Tonbridge TN10 3NP York Street 3 York Street Broadstairs CT10 1PD

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