Farningham Parish Council

28/05/2026

Recycling rates reach record high across the District

Sevenoaks District Council’s rollout of new recycling measures, including the introduction of new weekly food waste collections and reusable recycling bags, has helped residents recycle more and cut waste.

In the first month since the introduction of the food waste service, the Council’s crews have collected a massive 220 tonnes of food waste, putting the Sevenoaks District close to the top 25% of Kent councils for food waste recycling.

This extra 220 tonnes of recycling alone will produce up to 80,000 kWh of energy - that’s enough to power 30 average sized family homes for a year.

Since launching the service, the crews have reported a noticeable reduction in black sacks being split open by animals at properties now using the separate food waste service, helping to keep our District even cleaner.

Recycling has also been boosted by the reusable green recycling sacks that were introduced in 2024. Residents have increased their recycling of cardboard, paper, plastics and other household items by a further 3.5%.

By October 2026, the reusable sacks will have saved the Council £225,000 when they will be phased out, and wheelie bins are introduced. Once they are no longer needed, residents can either keep them for their own use or the Council will collect them during the first four weeks of the new service, so they can be recycled.

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Cleaner and Greener, Cllr Irene Roy, says: “We’re about to start the next phase of ‘The Big Recycling Upgrade’ so it’s a good opportunity to look at what we have achieved so far.

“We’re really pleased that residents are recycling more and we’d like to thank everyone who has got on board with food waste recycling over the last month. Residents are already recycling around 58 tonnes of food waste every week, contributing an extra 6% to our overall recycling rate. This is a fantastic achievement in such a short amount of time.

“October will see the start of alternate weekly collections with new wheelie bins to put out for collection, which we anticipate will increase the amount we recycle even further.”

For more information visit,

Find your collection day, report a missed bin collection, information on garden waste and household waste disposal

19/05/2026

Emergency Road Closure - Maplescombe Lane, Farningham - 19th May 2026 (Sevenoaks)

It will be necessary to close Maplescombe Lane, Farningham from 19th May 2026 for up to 4 days.

The road will be closed at Downside, Maplescombe Lane.

The alternative route is via Maplescombe Lane, Beesfield Lane, A225 Eynsford Road, A20 London Road, A20 Gorse Hill, A20 London Road, Botsom Lane, Maplescombe Lane and reversed.

This is to enable water pipe repairs to be carried out by South East Water.

Enclosed is a copy of the Traffic Notice in confirmation of this.

This bulletin contains public information and can be freely forwarded to any other road users who may be affected. Every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, but no liability can be accepted for any changes or errors.

For details of roadworks, please see One.Network

KCC Highways & Transportation: keeping you up to date with what’s happening on our roads - for more information visit https://www.kent.gov.uk/roads-and-travel or follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/KentHighways

Official Twitter feed for KCC Highways. Local travel information. Please report Highway faults via our website: https://t.co/eKoV1x8Sbi or call 03000 418181

15/05/2026

Shared from KCC
Kent - Temporary 30MPH SPEED LIMIT - A20 London Road, Farningham - 8th June 2026 for 13 days

Because of drainage works, Kent County Council has made an Order for a temporary mandatory speed limit of 30mph to be imposed on a section of A20 London Road, Farningham, on or after 8th June 2026 for up to 13 days or until the works have been completed.

The 30mph speed limit applies in both directions on A20 London Road, Farningham, from A225 Dartford Road to A225 Eynsford Road.

Pedestrian access will be maintained during the works.

For the most up to date information on these works please visit: https://one.network/?tm=GB150180843

For information regarding this closure please contact Kent, who will be able to assist with the scope of these works.

15/05/2026

New Chairman is raring to go!

Cllr Margot McArthur, a self-confessed ‘petrolhead’ is gearing up for a full throttle year as Sevenoaks District Council’s new Chairman.

From a young age, Margot tinkered with cars and, while studying for psychology, social science and business degrees in Nottingham and Manchester, she would regularly spend her spare time in the university garages.

Margot says: “For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a passion for petrol power. It may sound unusual, but I built my first kit car at university. I feel completely at home working on cars be it replacing a carburetor, rewiring a loom or rebuilding an engine.

“I’m also a huge fan of rally car racing and do my best to attend as many events as possible.”

Margot grew up in the north, midlands and Scotland and settled in Edenbridge some years ago.

She owns a consultancy advising local companies and central Government ministries and departments about efficiency, restructuring, recruitment and the development of staff and services.

Margot is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, having worked in the UK and many places overseas for major brands and industry-leading organisations.

She is also a member of the Employment Appeal Tribunal, an appointment made by the Queen.

Margot was elected as our Chairman at the Annual Council meeting on 14 May 2026, and says: “I’m deeply honoured and excited to take on this role. During my year, I want to promote our wonderful District and forge new relationships.”

“I will be supporting my charity Bore Place. They do amazing work to support wildlife and the environment, and their focus is helping children and young people with additional needs through enjoyment of the natural world and outdoor activities.

“I have seen firsthand how this charity can make a real difference, so I’ll be doing everything possible to raise money and awareness to support its amazing work.”

Margot was elected to Sevenoaks District Council over ten years ago to represent the Edenbridge South and West ward. She served on the Council’s Cabinet leading on the early work to improve waste collection services.

She was also a Kent County Councillor and has served as an Edenbridge Town Councillor for 15 years.

In her spare time, Margot enjoys travel and active sports, including sea and sand surfing, hang gliding and kayaking.

Margot is a trustee for three local charities, one being the Great Stone Bridge Trust Edenbridge which supports parish and town clubs and societies and awards educational grants.

She is also a volunteer for the Gatwick Passenger Advisory Group, which works to improve the customer experience at the airport.

Margot welcomes invitations to community events. To invite Margot, visit www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/chairman or call 01732 227247.

Cllr Penny Cole was elected as the Council's Vice-Chairman at the same Annual Council meeting.

Our Chairman, Cllr Laurence Ball, is the District’s principal ambassador. In Borough councils this position is performed by a Mayor. Despite the difference in name, the roles are virtually identical. Our Chairman. Laurence welcomes invitations to attend community events and you can invite him usin...

15/05/2026

12/05/2026

👮‍♂️ Meet Your Local Officer

Residents are invited to attend a Police Community Engagement session at the Shand Hall, St Peter & St Paul’s Church Pop Up Cafe for an informal chat:

✅ Local concerns
✅ Crime prevention
✅ Anti-social behaviour
✅ Community safety

📍 Shand Hall, St Peter & St Paul’s Church – Pop Up Cafe
📅 Friday 26 June
⏰ 10:30am – 11:30am

11/05/2026

Don’t forget our Annual Parish Meeting tonight:

Farningham's Annual Parish Meeting
Monday 11th May 2026
7.00pm start, Farningham Village Hall

This is the community meeting where local organisations and groups within Farningham Parish are invited to meet residents and present their annual reports. Light refreshments will be available.

There is also note there is a second meeting later this week:

Annual Parish Council Meeting
Wednesday 13th May
7.00pm, Shand Hall (behind the church)

This is Farningham Parish Council’s formal annual meeting, where council appointments are made, including Chairman and committee representatives.

Residents are very welcome to attend either or both of the meetings.

08/05/2026

The Annual Parish Council meeting Farningham is Wednesday 13 May at 7pm in the Shand Hall. All residents are welcome and a copy of the agenda is on our website:

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30/04/2026

All Parishioners are warmly invited to Farningham's Annual Parish meeting at 7pm on Monday 11 May 2026, Farningham Village Hall.

29/04/2026

Save the Date!

A hands-on outdoor session exploring the wildlife and ecology of the River Darent, while helping to manage invasive Himalayan balsam. A a fantastic chance to learn more about our local environment, enjoy time outdoors and take part in practical conservation work.

River Darent, Farningham - meet at the Cattle Screen
Friday 26 June 2026
10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

No prior experience is needed. Everyone is welcome.

To find out more, please contact Mark Gallant:
[email protected]
07740 185228

Please share and help spread the word!