Our CCTV cameras have been serviced during the year under review and new hard drives have been fitted to both systems.  It is planned to increase coverage at The Square by adding an additional camera.  Images from our cameras can now be viewed in real time from the Control Room in Margate where operators can adjust the cameras remotely on instructions from the police.

                        Additional Christmas lights were purchased and installed on the scots pine at Dog Acre.  The lights adorning the lamp posts along Station Road were also purchased from their owner.  Both these sets of illuminations gave the village a festive air that has been missing for the last few years.  Thanks must also be given to the committee that ran all the Christmas activities in the village last year.

                        The machine measuring the air quality at The Square is still taking measurements.  These readings will be assessed in the Spring.  It does appear that most of the pollution is present in the Summer and is caused by traffic.  In an attempt to find a solution to this problem talks have begun with Acol PC to explore the possibility of a By Pass along Columbus Avenue – past Cummins - extending to Shottendane Road.  This additional road would, it is thought, help to divert traffic away from Birchington Square and Acol. 

Community & Publicity

                       Although violence has not disappeared from our community, figures suggest that crime overall has declined in the village and we should thank our police and community wardens who are out on the streets continuously helping people and who contribute to maintaining law and order in public places.  Our Police Community Support Officer (PCSO Dan Adelsberg) commenced his duties in June and has proved to be a valuable addition to resources.  Anti-social behaviour has receded from our streets – discerning pedestrians may have noticed that the phone boxes in The Square are once more operational for all.

                        A new group was formed in October – PACT.  This stands for Partners and Community Together and is a panel formed by police, local councillors and other representatives of community groups.  Everyone is welcome to attend these meetings that attempt to identify local concerns and solutions.  One of the problems so identified was graffiti which was the subject of special attention.  A data base of Tags was compiled and, using intelligence, perpetrators were arrested and charged in court.  The problem has receded and other problems have been identified for action.  Inconsiderate parking on Canterbury Road, at Park Lane Primary School and other sites throughout the village has also been monitored and dealt with wherever possible.

                        The first Birchington Parish Guide was published in the Autumn.  It received critical acclaim in the main as a first attempt although there were one or two complaints from groups and businesses that had, inadvertently, been left out!  The next annual edition later in the year will try to remedy those omissions.  

Following the demise of Birchington Carnival, BPC has given its blessing to the creation of a Birchington Parish Court which would attend static displays and some local carnivals and community events.

Parks & Public Spaces

                        The small group of people trying to find ways of improving the memorial ground is still working on its proposals albeit at a measured pace.  BPC is not directly involved, apart from funding the public consultation on the issue, though a member of the Council is a group member.  Ideas have been distilled to the provision of a new pavilion and talks are taking place with all parties before any further action.  The teen shelter which was installed at the recreation ground in May of 2005 was removed by TDC in September.  This was an experiment that has not worked!  Small-scale maintenance has been carried out throughout the year at all our play areas including work to clean off graffiti. 

                        A member of the public has written to the Council on a number of occasions and has held meetings with members about the provision of a light on top of the fountain in The Square.  The matter has been discussed at Council meetings by full Council and it has been concluded that the provision of such a light is not practical.

                        The planters in Station Road have been regularly maintained with plants and shrubs throughout the year.  Spring 2008 sees them looking at their best for some time with the minimum of interest from amateur gardners.

                        BPC has again provided financial support for outreach youth workers to work in the village during the evening.  This work has been supported by police and community groups as well as parents.  Birchington Youth Club has been refurbished using a generous TDC grant and opened again for business in December.  It is currently being run by Pipeline, a branch of the Global Generation Church, and is attracting regular members every Monday evening at Birchington Methodist Church.  This means that Birchington is firmly on the Youth map with the club open on Monday evenings and Bernie the Bus stationed at the recreation ground on a Thursday.

Finance & Establishment

The precept for the year 2007/2008 was set at £30696 which was a 2.5% rise on the previous year.  This figure was reached after a careful item-by-item examination of funding needs.  Expenditure for the year ending April 2008 was £42400 and is well within budget.  (Budget £51277)  The new precept for this coming year has been set at £30178 which is a slight reduction on the previous year and is possible because of judicious spending.  The audit, conducted by the National Audit Commission, and the internal audit were both concluded satisfactorily with no serious criticisms. 

                        BPC was again fortunate this year in receiving funding from the community funds of both TDC and KCC councillors.  These resources were used to improve our CCTV system, increase our Christmas illuminations and assist Birchington Youth club.  BPC has funded grants during the year to 1^st Birchington Scout Group and to Birchington Heritage Trust.

                        Our reserves remain untouched for the year at £30K but have been earmarked on an equal basis to upgrade our children`s playgrounds and to help in the upgrade of the pavilion at the recreation ground.