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High Halden Parish Council
Appointment of Clerk and
Responsible Financial Officer
Salary within grade LC2
(SCP 24 – 32: £35,412 - £42,839 pro rata)
Part time 10 -12 Hours per week
If you have a genuine interest in helping our forward thinking and energetic Council develop and deliver timely, quality and innovative services to the local community, this post is ideal.
You will ensure that all legal, statutory, financial and other governing provisions relating to the Council are observed, all Council meetings are properly administered and decisions effectively implemented whilst developing healthy working partnerships with key local and regional bodies.
Suitably qualified (ideally with or be willing to obtain CiLCA, (the Certificate in Local Council Administration), highly motivated, enthusiastic and community focused, you will bring sound leadership, administrative, communication, IT, financial and organisational skills and be flexible in approach and able to meet deadlines.
We offer nationally based terms and conditions of employment for this post which may involve working evenings and weekends.
Please email the Clerk
for a recruitment pack and an application form.
Closing date for applications: Friday 9 January 2026
High Halden Parish Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
KCC Councillor Wayne Chapman
Town / Parish Council Report – January 2026
(Covering Appledore, Biddenden, Rolvenden, Rolvenden Layne, St Michaels, Tenterden, Wittersham, Kenardington, Newenden, High Halden, and Stone‑cum‑Ebony)
1. Highways Update
Tenterden, Appledore Road: UK Power Networks’ planned works along Appledore Road, as well as the connection of new streetlights near the Vistry development.
Be aware Appledore road is planned to be closed 14-22 Feb – school holidays https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/1065/kent-ttro-public-notice_147471275_4050080_ab7912ba13.pdf
These works are expected to be carried out throughout January and concluded by the end of February, which will then enable the much‑needed resurfacing works along Appledore Road to be diarised.
Biddenden: Further patching is planned on Sissinghurst Road and around the village centre following winter weather impacts.
High Halden: Drainage checks are underway following resident reports of pooling near the A28.
Rolvenden & Rolvenden Layne: Minor surface dressing is planned for spring, with no significant deterioration following December’s events.
Wittersham: Rye Road verges are scheduled for conservation‑tier cutting in February.
Kenardington & Stone‑cum‑Ebony: Rural lane inspections are scheduled for mid‑January as part of the winter maintenance programme.
Newenden: Damage to the A28 bridge has been reported to KCC Highways. Planned maintenance remains scheduled for 2026/27.
St Michaels & Tenterden: Rescheduled works continue to align with the winter maintenance programme.
2. Winter Driving & Gritting
As we move through January and the winter, please take extra care on wet, icy, and untreated rural roads across the division. Conditions can change quickly, especially on shaded lanes and open stretches of the A28.
• KCC will continue routine gritting of the main highway network throughout the winter period.
• Local grit bins are available for public use on untreated roads and pavements.
• If you notice a grit bin that is empty, damaged, or missing, please report it so it can be replenished or replaced.
For live updates on roadworks, closures, and repairs:
Kent County Council Highways: https://www.kent.gov.uk/roads-and-travel
One.Network interactive map: https://one.network
To report highways, street lighting, or footpath issues:
Report a problem on the road or pavement:
https://www.kent.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/report-or-track-a-problem-on-the-road-or-pavement
3. Local Government Reorganisation & Devolution (LGR&D)
The Government is now reviewing the Strategic Business Case submitted by Kent County Council and Medway Council in late 2025.
Key points for January:
• KCC continues to advocate for Option 1A – a single unitary “Kent Council.”
• Engagement with parish councils will increase in spring 2026.
• Work is underway to map how Community Assemblies could operate locally.
• Financial modelling continues to show Option 1A as the most sustainable long‑term structure.
Further updates will be provided as Government feedback is received.
4. Community Engagement
Looking Back at December
December saw exceptional community spirit across all our parishes, with successful events including the Tenterden Christmas Festival, the Festive Tractor Runs, the Tenterden Lions Christmas Float, as well as numerous local concerts, carol services, and Christmas gatherings. Each event brought people together and raised significant funds for local causes, reflecting the generosity and togetherness that define our communities at this time of year.
January Community Highlights
• New Year wellbeing walks in Rolvenden, Wittersham, and Biddenden.
• Warm Spaces continuing at Tenterden Social Hub, St Michaels Village Hall, and Appledore Church.
• Tenterden Museum preparing new spring displays.
• Village hall committees holding AGMs and planning 2026 events.
• Community choirs resuming rehearsals for spring concerts.
• Meetings with local farmers regarding drainage, access, and rural transport.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Communities are already planning:
• Spring fairs and Easter events
• Spirit of Tenterden Festival 2026
• Village hall refurbishments and grant applications
• Youth engagement opportunities
• Heritage and tourism initiatives for the summer season
5. Education
Homewood School and Tenterden Schools Trust (TST)
Recent correspondence between Tenterden Town Council’s representative to the TST, Councillor Jane Mills, KCC’s Director of Education Christine McInnes, and myself has highlighted the need for greater transparency and improved communication around the Tenterden Schools Trust’s proposed re‑brokering process. While the County Council is not the decision‑maker in academy transfers, our joint engagement has ensured that concerns from staff, parents, and the wider community have been clearly raised, resulting in a welcome period of breathing space and a revised timeline. This collaborative approach reflects our shared commitment to safeguarding the wellbeing of pupils, supporting school staff, and ensuring that any future arrangements are handled with clarity, fairness, and proper consideration for the communities we represent.
I wish to thank Cllr Mills for bringing this matter to my attention.
6. Parish / Town Council Meetings – January 2026
I intend to attend the following parish and town council meetings during January (subject to diary commitments and meeting schedules):
• Appledore Parish Council –January 5th
• Biddenden Parish Council – January 6th
• High Halden Parish Council – January 12th
• Kenardington Parish Council – January 6th
• Newenden Parish Council – January 13th
• Rolvenden Parish Council – January 15th
• Stone‑cum‑Ebony Parish Council – January 21st
• Tenterden Town Council – January 12th
• Wittersham Parish Council – January 13th
I will also meet informally with parish chairs and clerks throughout January.
7. Contact Details
Email: [email protected]
For highways, street lighting, or footpath issues, please report online via:
https://www.kent.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/report-or-track-a-problem-on-the-road-or-pavement
New Year Message
As we step into 2026, I want to thank every resident across Appledore, Biddenden, Rolvenden, Rolvenden Layne, St Michaels, Tenterden, Wittersham, Kenardington, Newenden, High Halden, and Stone‑cum‑Ebony for your continued support, resilience, and community spirit. Our parishes thrive because of the dedication shown by volunteers, local groups, schools, businesses, and residents who work tirelessly to support one another. I look forward to working with you throughout 2026 as we continue building strong, vibrant, and connected communities across the Tenterden Division.