Is Gillingham really that bad?

[TJAskew]

Please advise. Just found our dream home in Third Avenue but online remarks are putting me off. Coming from Romford I know that all areas have good and bad. We lived in a lovely part of Romford but it did have its bad elements. Hubby works in Kent so this is a good position for us. Please reassure me. Also need recommendations on good state schools we have missed the boat for grammar sadly. Thanks so much

I've asked DH who supports Gillingham FC so knows a bit about area as he goes regularly to matches!

He says it's mainly the facilities that let Gillingham down. Also the road you've mentioned will be very busy parking-wise on match days.

Can't help too much RE schools but if you think your child/children might pass the Kent Test they can still sit it - info here: www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/schools/school-places/move-to-a-different-school#grammar

He asks whether you've considered Sittingbourne or Rochester to compare to Gillingham?

Thank you so much for your advice. I really appreciate it. We should hear today if our offer is accepted. We are looking at all areas at this stage. Just fell in love with this house and really hope we get it. If it doesn't go through will start the search again. Thanks for the info on the Grammar schools. I am definately going to try go down that route.

He said there are some great streets in Gillingham - and he has never had any trouble going there on match days for the last 20+ years.

There is also talk of a new development for the football ground which would be great for Gillingham if it happens!

Good luck with your offer

Thanks so much. I guess all areas have good and bad. We lived in London Bayswater for a while opposite Hyde Park and just 100 metres down the road was a seriously dodgy area. Found it fascinating that there were millionaires nestled amongst that road. Appreciate your feedback.

It's OK. 3 boys and 3 girls grammar schools and 1 mixed so good choice. You do the Medway Test but you can do Kent Test as well.

Registered for both Medway and Kent test. Will find out about older son getting assessed so he also can go to grammar school. Any views on Robert Napier?

There are loads of facilities but really you need to drive. Great trampoline place called SOAR, ice skating rink, loads of pools and gyms, Academy tennis club is fantastic. Not far to Capstone dry ski centre, gravesend cyclopark, most park and there are sailing clubs on the Medway and that's off the top of my head.