The Leader said:

“Good evening Madam Mayor, one and all.

I want to start this evening firstly by affirming this Council’s unerring commitment to the White Ribbon campaign. Having recently received re-accreditation as a White Ribbon organisation, we stand united in our pledge to end male violence against women and girls. This is not just a campaign we support passively, it’s a commitment that shapes our policies, our culture, and the way we engage with our communities. We are working closely with partners, including schools, charities and our own staff, to promote healthy relationships and challenge misogyny wherever it appears and I would encourage you all to sign the pledge to never use, excuse or remain silent about violence against women. Whilst white ribbon day will be held on 25 November this year, the principles of the white ribbon campaign is something that we can all live by overtly every single day by word act or demeanour in our role as community champions.

Moving on we recently saw a vibrant and inclusive Pride Month, with events bringing people together in a spirit of joy, solidarity and equality. Pride is not just a celebration it’s a reminder of our responsibility to ensure that everyone, regardless of gender or sexuality, feels safe, seen, and valued in our communities. In particular I want to thank the organisers, volunteers, and participants for making the Swale Pride event in Sheerness so meaningful. I would also like to thank our Mayor and Deputy Mayor for attending the event in their civic role and enduring some of the not so tropical weather that the Sheppey can bring. However I am sickened to have to report that Pixie Polite one of the artists that appeared at the Swale event was subjected to a nasty homophobic attack in London earlier this week. I am sure that I speak for us all in stating that this Council remains firmly committed to LGBTQ+ inclusion and will continue to champion equality in all that we do including condemning acts such as these.

Remaining on the Island and reflecting on the lighter side of local life I was delighted to attend the opening of the new Adventure Golf facility at Beachfields, which I am sure will prove a hit with families, residents and visitors of all ages. This facility is part of our wider work to improve leisure and recreation, helping people connect, unwind, and enjoy our outdoor spaces.

Just down the road we are Supporting Young Entrepreneurs as work begins to transform the garages at the historic Masters House into dedicated business workshops.

This exciting project will see the old garage roofs removed and replaced with three modern, sustainably built ‘makers huts’, complete with kitchenettes and toilets. These new workspaces are designed to give local artists, makers and craftspeople aged 18 to 30 a professional base to launch and grow their businesses.

We are working in partnership with national charity Launch It, who are already delivering outstanding mentoring and business support to local young people with the expertise of former councillor Denise Knights. Their presence ensures that these spaces offer more than just a roof, they offer a genuine springboard for ambition, creativity, and local economic growth.

Moving to the outdoors we are once again celebrating success with Green Flag Awards for Milton Creek Country Park, Oare Gunpowder Works Country Park, and Faversham Recreation Ground. The awards are testament to the tireless work of our teams and volunteers who care for these spaces in order that they are able to be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

Faversham Recreation Ground has received the award for the second time, whilst Milton Creek Country Park has now earned the Green Flag for the fourth consecutive year. Remarkably, the Oare Gunpowder Works celebrates its 20th consecutive award and has also achieved the Green Heritage Site Accreditation, supported by Historic England, for the management and promotion of its historic features.

Whilst some enjoy the outdoors others just like to sit down and enjoy a chat over a cup of tea or coffee. That’s exactly what I did when I officially opened the new Chatty Café in Heather House, an important initiative aimed at tackling loneliness and social isolation within our community. Sometimes the simplest ideas make the biggest difference, a warm drink, a friendly face, and a chance to talk. This space provides just that, helping people reconnect and feel part of something. My thanks go to the teams and volunteers involved in bringing this to life.

Talking of bringing things to life I turn to local health services, I’m delighted to report that following the demise of the ageing x ray machine at Sittingbourne Memorial a brand-new X-ray machine has now been purchased an investment which  is a significant step forward in improving diagnostic capacity and bringing services closer to home for our residents again. We know how important accessible healthcare is, and this development demonstrates that it is not all bad news for healthcare in Swale.

Finally before I close, I want to offer my congratulations to the Lionesses on their historic victory in the UEFA Women’s Euro Championship. Their performance on the pitch was nothing short of inspirational, and their success is a milestone not just for women’s football, but for sport and gender equality in this country. They’ve made the nation proud and inspired a generation of young players, many of whom live and play right here in Swale.

From supporting safety and inclusion, to investing in entrepreneurship, and celebrating sport and our community, we are showing what it means to be a borough that’s proud and compassionate.

My sincere thanks to everyone, officers, partners, volunteers, residents and members who are helping deliver on this shared vision.

Thank you.”

In response, the Leader of the Conservative group thanked the Leader for his statement. He acknowledged the success of the Lionesses in the Women’s Football European Cup and reminded Members that the Women’s Rugby World Cup would be starting soon. Referring to the Leader’s comments on the NHS, the Leader of the Conservative Group spoke of the temporary closure of the Faversham Cottage Hospital. The Leader of the Conservative Group sent his condolences to the family and friends of the Amazon delivery driver who sadly lost his life at a level crossing in Teynham, and paid tribute to the emergency services who attended that day.

The Leader of the Swale Independents Alliance (SIA) group said whilst it was good to hear about the positive things going on in the Borough, there was little in the Leader’s Statement about what the Council were doing going forward. He acknowledged the efforts and input of the staff and Councillors that were involved in progressing and completing the Adventure Golf project, and singled out Councillor Monique Bonney and former Swale Borough Councillor (SBC) Denise Knights for their work on the project. Echoing the comments of others, the Leader of the SIA group acknowledged the success of the Lionesses, was pleased that Milton Country Park had received a green flag award and also sent his condolences to the friends and family of the Amazon delivery driver.

The Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat group spoke of the fantastic work that Heather House, Sittingbourne offered residents and paid tribute to the work and dedication of former Councillor Mike Henderson on Oare Gunpowder Works. He said it was important that the Faversham Cottage Hospital was soon back up and running. The Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group said the Swale Pride event had been fantastic and he advised that the Faversham Pride event was scheduled for 16 August 2025.

The Deputy Leader of the Reform UK group congratulated those involved in helping sites that had been awarded green flags. He said the England Ladies Football team victory was very inspiring and made him proud to be English. The Deputy Leader of the Reform UK group commended the work on the White Ribbon campaign and said the Council should act to stop all violence.

The Deputy Leader of the Green group supported many of the comments already made and said that preventing violence against women was supported by all, and was a problem across the world, not just Swale. He welcomed the news on the X-ray department at the Memorial Hospital, Sittingbourne but warned that staff were needed to operate facilities, and the reason for the current closure of the Faversham Cottage Hospital was a lack of staff.

Other Members were invited to make comments and these included:

·         Referred to a recent incident in the car park following an evening meeting and said support for violence against women should start at home and the Council should look after their own staff, Members and visitors to Swale House;

·         thanked the volunteers that kept Milton Creek Country Park tidy;

·         thanked the residents of Milton Regis who cleared up rubbish left on the site by unauthorised travellers;

·         questioned how many Members had taken part in the White Ribbon Ambassador training?;

·         congratulated England Ladies football team and said it was important to encourage ambition and push the message that success could happen to all, even those living in deprived areas of the country;

·         sent thoughts to the train driver involved the accident at the level crossing in Teynham;

·         it was the responsibility of all to stop violence against women; and

·         praised the work of the individuals that helped get the Adventure Golf facility to the Sheerness site and hoped it would help bring tourists to the Isle of Sheppey.

In response, the Leader acknowledged Members for their responses.  He said himself and the Chair of the Housing, Health and Communities Committee recently wrote to the National Health Service (NHS) expressing their concern over the temporary closure of the Faversham Cottage Hospital. Referring to the comment made about there being no information in the Leader’s Statement about going forward, the Leader said the Annual Delivery Plan report would be discussed at the next Policy and Resources Committee scheduled for September 2025.

The Leader echoed the sentiments about former Councillor Mike Henderson and reflected on his keenness to recognise the volunteers at Oare Gunpowder Works, and he also recognised SBC’s Green Spaces Ranger.

Finally, the Leader sent his sympathies to all those impacted by the accident at the level crossing in Teynham.