While many business and organisations have slimmed down operations and furloughed staff during the pandemic, Tenterden Town Council continues to carry out its full programme of activities and meetings.
There are no fewer than 22 fully-functioning committees and sub-committees in addition to full Town Council meetings, and they are all being held via Zoom video-technology.
The Town Hall team continues to progress work on the town’s three major capital projects, re-designing the Recreation Ground, restoring the Town Hall and monitoring plans for a potential new cinema.
Crucially, as planning applications have been submitted for more than 400 new houses, apartments and care facilities in and around the town, the council’s planning committee are working closely with Ashford Borough Council.
Meanwhile, the council’s maintenance team continue to keep the town’s public spaces looking pristine, while continuing their regular programme of gardening, caring for wildlife habitats such as Kiln Field, and a major programme of re-cycling.
Although the Town Hall doors remain locked, residents can still make an appointment to discuss issues with a council staff member, safely and socially distanced, if it cannot be dealt with via email or telephone.
Says Town Clerk Phil Burgess: “It has not been easy retaining the full functions of the Town Council during the pandemic, but we have been able to continue operating at full capacity, and will continue to do so until the pandemic finally eases.”