Community tensions:

Mr Tim Valentine said he and others were concerned about an increase in community tensions within the Faversham area. This escalation was directly linked to the so-called “Raise the Colours” campaign and the placement of various flags on local lampposts and buildings. There had been reports of increased levels of intimidation and racism which was causing distress to some members of the community, particularly those from ethnic minority backgrounds. The hostile atmosphere was also affecting the community's reputation. There were concerns about the anti-immigration march planned for Saturday 6 September 2025 from central Faversham to Acacia Court where unaccompanied asylum-seeking children were housed. Mr Valentine had contacted Kent Police and Kent County Council (KCC) about the matter but was advised neither was able to take action. Mr Valentine asked what action SBC could take to restore law and order?

The Head of Housing & Community Services responded that it was a sensitive and tricky situation. The SBC Chief Executive had been in conversation with politicians about the matter. As the flags were being placed on KCC assets, SBC could not remove them. If there was offensive graffiti, then SBC could act to remove it. The Community Safety Partnership (CSP) were working with the Police and were waiting to hear back from KCC. Any incidents of harassment or intimidation should be reported to the Police.

Further discussion on the situation took place and the following actions were agreed:

·       That the Head of Housing & Community Services would check with Planning Enforcement to see if breach of Planning action could be taken where flags were placed in conservation areas and if Section 215 notices could be issued to deal with the matter via littering legislation.

·       That the Chair would ask the SBC Leader to write to the KCC Leader, the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner and local Member of Parliament requesting a coordinated and robust response to the community tensions.

·       That the Chair refer the matter of community tensions to the CSP and request that they in turn report to the Chair of the Housing, Health & Communities Committee Chair.

·       That the Chair writes to the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner and local Member of Parliament requesting a coordinated and robust response to the community tensions.

Faversham Hop Festival:

Councillor Dolley Wooster thanked everyone involved in organising the very successful Faversham Hop Festival. She said that there had been a positive response on social media and the town was immaculate. Faversham Town Councillors thanked Councillor Wooster for her comments.

The Chair said he would write to the Faversham Hop Festival Committee and Suez to express thanks and congratulations for a successful Faversham Hop Festival.

Resolved:

1)    That the Head of Housing & Community Services would check with Planning Enforcement to see if breach of Planning action could be taken where flags were placed in conservation areas and if Section 215 notices could be issued to deal with the matter via littering legislation.

2)    That the Chair would ask the SBC Leader to write to the KCC Leader, the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner and local Member of Parliament requesting a coordinated and robust response to the community tensions.

3)    That the Chair refers the matter of community tensions to the CSP and request that they in turn report to the Chair of the Housing, Health & Communities Committee Chair.

4)    That the Chair writes to the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner and local Member of Parliament requesting a coordinated and robust response to the community tensions.

5)    That the Chair would write to the Faversham Hop Festival Committee and Suez to express thanks and congratulations for a successful Faversham Hop Festival.