The Leader said:

In many respects it is with a heavy heart that I commence my Leaders statement this evening. Frankly, I sincerely hope that I never again have to stand before you all on an occasion where it befalls me to commence with reflections on the passing of a serving Councillor. Notwithstanding all of the heartfelt tributes that have already been heard here in the chamber, I would just like to formally reflect on the loss of Councillor Ken Ingleton, holding up his character and courteous manner as an exemplar standard.

I am indeed indebted to Councillor Booth for his moving tribute and to members of all of the groups for their kind words and like expressions of condolence this evening which clearly demonstrates that in this chamber people transcend politics at the most difficult times.

One of the many qualities that I personally admired in Ken was his openness and in the spirit in which I know he would accord, when elected leader of this Council I undertook to strive for a more open approach. To that end I recently held the first of a proposed regular meeting forum for all group leaders from both this administration and the opposition. The meeting was convened and conducted on an informal basis in an air of mutual trust and respect and was acknowledged by all to be a very valuable and welcome forum where frank and open discourse was facilitated.

Another pledge I made was to strive to ensure that we maintain the impetus in our commitment to the Environment and Health agenda, continuing to build upon the excellent work that has already been undertaken previously.

One pledge I didn’t make however was one of appearing to be becoming a covert vexillologist. Whilst it is a privilege for me to metaphorically fly the flag for Swale it is even more gratifying to observe the physical flags awarded to this council by outside bodies. On that note I am delighted that Swale Borough Council is celebrating receiving a Green Flag Award for both Milton Creek Country Park and Oare Gunpowder Works Country Park.

The Green Flag Award scheme, is managed by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. The charity   recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom.

The news that Milton Creek and Oare Gunpowder Works have achieved the accreditation, is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team that care for those green spaces so that residents and visitors alike can enjoy them and I congratulate the team on this exceptional achievement.

Whilst congratulating the team I also pay tribute to the magnificent cohort of volunteers who work extremely hard alongside staff to create parks and green spaces that meet the exacting standards expected of green flag parks. I know just how much these spaces matter to people, so it is so pleasing to see recognition of all the hard work that is put in to maintaining them by one and all.

It was also gratifying to have those sentiments echoed by the Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme Manager Paul Todd MBE. He commented these are vital green spaces for the community in Swale, bringing people together and providing opportunities to lead healthy lifestyles. The staff and volunteers do so much to ensure that it maintains the high standards of the Green Flag Award and everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement.

Whilst acknowledging that ringing endorsement it is worth noting that this is the second consecutive year that the Milton Creek Country Park has received the award, but incredibly it is the 18^th yes 18^th  year in a row for the Oare Gunpowder Works which really is some accolade.

Maintaining my focus on Health and continuing an outdoor theme, we have entered into a partnership to invest in and refurbish public park tennis courts in Swale. The park tennis courts at Milton Recreation Ground and King George’s Playing Fields, Sittingbourne, will be renovated, with investment of £124,578.54 from the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation, £32,413 will also be invested by Swale Borough Council, helping to provide enduring quality facilities for the local community.

Park tennis courts provide an invaluable opportunity to afford both children and adults the opportunity to get active and benefit their physical and mental health. Accessible facilities in parks are particularly important in opening the sport up to a wider range of people and the project is part of a nationwide investment by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation to refurbish public tennis courts across Great Britain.

We will be working together with local tennis providers and the LTA to deliver a range of activities across the park sites. This will include weekly organised free park tennis sessions for all ages, playing levels and experience where equipment will be provided. This means that people will not need be precluded from participation due to having no opponent or indeed their own racket. Local Tennis Leagues will also provide friendly, sociable, opportunities to get active through local competition.

Work on the sites is expected to be completed by autumn 2023 and I look forward to this investment providing high quality facilities for our residents for years to come and who knows maybe even producing the next Andy Murray, Alfie Hewett or more parochially Virginia Wade.

In closing can I wish those of you who are taking the opportunity to have a summer break a safe trip if you are travelling outside of and inside Swale of course and restful time until we reconvene for our next meeting.”

In response, the Deputy Leader of the Conservative Group spoke in support of the Green Flag award and said he hoped that a Green Flag would be awarded on the Isle of Sheppey as flags had been awarded in Sittingbourne and Faversham.  He referred to the need to support all sports in the Borough.

The Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group referred to the 18^th award for the Oare Gunpowder Works and spoke of the excellent work carried out by volunteers.  He asked the Leader to encourage the Communications Team to speak to and obtain quotes from those on the ground when circulating press releases.  He suggested more money could be obtained from developers under Section 106 Agreements to fund changing facilities for sports.

The Leader acknowledged the comments and requests made.