Open Meeting

Report of Public meeting held at the Junior School on 18th May 2005.

The meeting was attended by over 60 people.Outline plans were on display for all to see. A presentation was given on the progress to date of the proposed community centre. The meeting was then opened for general discussion and comments. There were concerns raised about parking, vandalism, usage, size(too big), security, running costs and other similar worries. It was said the plans look more like a leisure centre than a community centre. Will the centre be open to people from outside the village. It was stated that the impact on the residents of Bush Road had not been considered. Have other sites apart from the recreation ground been considered for example the Social Club, the field opposite the end of Bush Road and the land by the station. But it was stated that the centre needs to be at the heart of the village not on the outskirts.Would the proposed swimming pool be used and would it attract enough custom to make it financially viable.The overall feeling of the people attending the meeting, even those with reservations, was that a centre was needed for the village. All the points raised will be considered by the trust and another survey of the whole village will be carried out. Thanks to all those who attended and for their valuable comments and input.

Report of first public meeting.

The meeting organised by Cuxton Community Trust to discuss the proposal for a new community centre was attended by over forty local people.

Speakers from the trust, Medway Council and Kent Rural Council addressed the meeting.
There was much feedback from reps of local organisations and local residents.
Issues such as location, (recreation ground or the social club grounds were mentioned as options) car parking and access were mentioned.
Finding funds for such a project seemed daunting to some. A figure of £1.5 million was mentioned. One group stated that they wanted just a simple village hall and not a community centre. Others argued that we should aim high and not compromise.
The survey done in 1998 of 50% of the village indicated that 81% of those surveyed wanted a village hall for community use.
Undertaking another survey of the village was also mentioned. It was proposed that the whole village should be polled, a lot of people would be needed to undertake such a task.
A business plan should be developed incorporating what usage we would expect and what income we would hope to generate including letting charges. Concerns were voiced that prices would be affordable for all groups. We would have to make sure that the centre was used as much as possible.
Some folk volunteered their time to help with the project, someone from the trust will be in touch shortly.
We were certainly heartened by the turnout and will keep people posted by having updates around the village, on this website and in the Parish Noticeboard.