🗞️ Weekly Update from Your Reform UK Councillors – John & Dave

Dear Residents of Rochester East & Warren Wood

We’re excited to announce a new weekly update sharing what we’ve been up to this week. Hopefully this will bring some transparency to what other councillors rarely talk about. You will get to know about issues other residents are facing or maybe even your neighbours? We invite you to join the conversation on our website. Register today and then you will be able to post your thoughts and influence outcomes for you and your neighbours.

It’s just the start, don’t think this is all we’ve been up to, but once we get going – other councillors will have to follow!

Here’s a quick round-up of the key issues and updates from our inboxes this past week:

1. Community Issues

• 🏘️ Rochester Avenue – Cable Works & Community Concerns:

There’s been a lot of correspondence about the ongoing CityFibre cable laying on Rochester Avenue. Residents have raised concerns about parking disruptions, refuse collection, and communication from contractors. We’ve been in touch with CityFibre council officers, and residents to push for better coordination and clearer updates. Friday lunchtime, Dave again visited Rochester Avenue to observe the works. He was actually encouraged to see that progress has picked up – the team were busy pushing towards completing the backfill and snagging at the Delce end, with the aim of reopening that half of the road soon. They appeared to be genuinely making an effort to reach the 22^nd June deadline, which they believe is still on the cards.

Speaking to the workers on site (informally, of course), they confirmed they were confident about completing the works on time. It’s worth saying – on a human level – We really felt for them: they were working in full fire-retardant boiler suits in humid 28-degree heat, visibly exhausted but still pushing on. That doesn’t excuse the wider issues, but we do want to acknowledge the individuals on the ground trying to get the job done despite the conditions.

• 🏚️ Ongoing Safety Concerns at Former University of Creative Arts Site, Fort Pitt Road / Jackson Field

Many residents have raised serious concerns about persistent anti-social behaviour and safety hazards at the former University of Creative Arts site on Fort Pitt Road. On 13 June, one lady and her partner witnessed three teenagers vandalising the building – smashing windows and throwing objects out – posing a danger to a passerby. Police were called, and the individuals fled the scene before officers arrived.

The main report from this is that:

The site remains unsecured, with broken fencing and no visible security presence.
Debris and broken glass have not been cleared for months.
The area poses a risk to public safety, especially to pedestrians and dog walkers.
There is frustration over the lack of accountability from the site owners and a call for stronger enforcement and communication from local authorities.
This issue must be escalated to the police and we are seeking a response from the local councillor regarding what actions are being taken.

2. Community Events

• Dave had the great pleasure of attending the Choral Evensong at Rochester Cathedral (pics below although Reform’s leader was told off for taking the pics during the ceremony 🤣), hosted by the newly appointed Worshipful Mayor of Medway, Councillor Trevour Clarke. It was a moving and memorable service, marking the formal dedication of the Mayor’s term with dignity and tradition. Both Cllr Clarke and Deputy Mayor Wayne Spring carried out their ceremonial duties with remarkable poise and presence. Their composure and confidence throughout the evening gave the distinct impression of seasoned statesmen, gracefully upholding the heritage and solemnity of the occasion. The atmosphere within the Cathedral was one of respect, unity, and civic pride – a testament to the Mayor’s leadership and the importance of Medway’s traditions. We would like to thank the Mayor for his kind invitation and extend our appreciation to all involved in organising such a dignified and uplifting event, namely Wayne, Teri and Rowena – you did a fantastic job!
• We’ll be attending Armed Forces Day 28^th June at Chatham Historic Dockyard. Free tickets still available by clicking here.

3. Other News In Brief

• We’re preparing for ongoing planning reviews and pressing for improvements in digital council services and health support.
• Helping local residents with planning issues, trees, school streets, fly-tipping, pedestrian access.
• Focusing on meetings next week, including Local Plan, Local Government Reorganisation, Cross Party Governance, Health & Adult Social Care Scrutiny, Business Support & Digital Scrutiny
• Help Reform UK Reach More Local Voices on Facebook!
  • We’re pleased to share that your Reform councillors have now been accepted as members in two local Facebook community groups – a great step forward in listening to local concerns and sharing what we stand for.
  • Do you run or belong to a local Facebook group in Rochester East or Warren Wood? Would you like to see your Reform councillors represented there, sharing updates, responding to residents, and standing up for your community?
  • If so, we’d love your help! Drop us a message or email with the group’s name and we’ll do the rest. With your support, we can make sure more voices are heard and real change starts at the grassroots.
  • Let’s bring Reform to every corner of Medway – together.

4. Looking Ahead

• John & Dave are working on proposals to make your voices heard at future council meetings.
• We have lots of work to do, behind the scenes, as major turning points are coming up!
• We’re always focussed on promoting the Reform UK message and recruiting new members.
• 🔥 Reform UK – Rochester & Strood are proud to host a FREE community BBQ at the Sands Paréil Pub on Sunday, 29th June – and you’re invited! This isn’t just a chance to enjoy good food and great company – it’s a celebration of community, common sense politics, and the local businesses who back Reform UK because they believe in honesty, hard work, and putting local people first. This event is hosted thanks to generous support from businesses who share our values and want to see real change here in Medway.
• 📍 Sands Paréil Pub
• 📅 Sunday 29th June
• 🕐 From 4:00pm
• 🍔 Free BBQ – All Welcome
• Come along, meet the team, bring your questions – and enjoy a day that puts the community first.

📣 We Want to Hear from You

Have something to say about anything we’ve discussed here, or anything affecting our area? Register on our website, then comment right there – your feedback matters.

✅ How to get involved:

1. Head over to our Registration page
2. Create an account
3. Join the discussion!

🔗 More ways to stay connected

• Catch-up: Check out our latest interview, where we fight back on the leaders comment why we don’t need DOGE in Medway
• Social updates: Follow the Rochester & Strood branch of Reform on:
• Our own website: Reform UK – Rochester & Strood
• Facebook

Thanks for reading – let’s make Rochester East & Warren Wood a stronger community together! Register, comment, and share your thoughts below.

John Vye & Dave Finch,
Your Reform UK councillors for Rochester East & Warren Wood