Friday 31 July 2009

FAST FERRY DEAL AGREED FOR RAMSGATE

A new fast ferry service, which will provide great travel links between Ramsgate and Boulogne, has been agreed between Thanet District Council and Euroferries.

The new cross channel passenger service ‘ Bonanza Express’, will see five daily crossings between the two ports and will be operated in conjunction with renowned fast ferry operator Fred Olsen. It will carry a combination of cars, foot passengers, coaches and a limited amount of freight and caravans to the continent and is expected to commence in September.

A second vessel is expected to join the service in 2010 to help increase passenger capacity.

The state of the art ferry will reach speeds of up to 38 knots and is expected to provide a rapid journey time of 75 minutes. Onboard the vessel, passengers will be treated to an extensive ‘tax paid’ shopping area, restaurants and first class designated area.

As part of this agreement it is also anticipated that this new service will provide two dedicated passenger terminals, one at Ramsgate and one at Boulogne, which are expected to include shopping areas, restaurant and waiting lounge facilities.

Deputy Leader of the council, Cllr Roger Latchford said: “We are delighted that Euroferries, working in partnership with Fred Olsen will be operating out of the Port of Ramsgate. The council has been working very hard to regenerate the area of Thanet, and this additional ferry service, which will operate from Ramsgate will provide much needed employment opportunities as well as greatly enhancing tourism prospects to the area. The quick crossing times and easy access into both ports will make this service an attractive alternative route into France and will really prove an invaluable part of the wider regeneration of the district. This is a great attraction for Thanet and we extend a warm welcome to Euroferries and wish them every success.”

Per Staehr Chairman of Euroferries said: “The signing of this Agreement with Thanet District Council enables us to look forward to building a long term relationship with the local community. Our new five crossing a day high speed service, will be focused on tourist traffic and takes full advantage of the new motorways both to Ramsgate and Boulogne along with the fast turn round terminal facilities within both Ports. This agreement permits us to shortly announce the release of the new web booking service, further details and the provision of our new commuter coach service between London's Stratford Hub and Ramsgate serving Canterbury and the Medway towns. Whilst, today is Thanet District Council's special occasion, we are delighted to attend and to welcome our partner Fred Olsen. The impending arrival of Bonanza Express, Incat 96m in its new Euroferries livery will provide the opportunity for Euroferries to welcome you when we will make further announcements."

Deputy Leader of the Labour Group in Thanet, Cllr Peter Campbell, welcomed the news that EuroFerries are to run a new ferry service from Ramsgate Port. "This is really good news for Ramsgate & Thanet. Our Labour Group supports an expanding and vibrant port, creating new jobs and boosting the local economy. May this service flourish".


Monday 27 July 2009

Last weeks planning applications,

Ed. The TDC planning website is one of the most bizarre websites I have ever come across in as much as the web addresses of the pages on it change after a few hours so you can’t publish links to them. If you want to look at any of the applications you need to go to the site and enter the application reference in the search box, this link takes you to the site http://www.ukplanning.com/thanet

23 Jul 2009
EN/06/00097
ACOL FARM HOUSE THE STREET ACOL BIRCHINGTON CT70JA
decided
23 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0542
TOP BEAUTY 4 EASTERN ESPLANADE CLIFTONVILLE MARGATE CT92LB
current
23 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0544
30 NORTHDOWN PARK ROAD, MARGATE, CT9 2NJ
current
23 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0551
57 ADDISCOMBE ROAD MARGATE CT92SY
current
23 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0560
67-69 ADDINGTON STREET RAMSGATE CT119JH
current
21 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0512
53 BRUNSWICK ROAD BIRCHINGTON CT70EB
current
21 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0523
49 GORDON ROAD WESTWOOD MARGATE CT94EA
current
21 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0538
14 LUTON COURT BROADSTAIRS CT102DE
current
21 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0550
PENDELL BROADLEY ROAD MARGATE CT93UP
current
21 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0554
34 ARGYLE AVENUE MARGATE CT95RN
current
21 Jul 2009
R/TH/09/0532
THE LINK 2 MARGATE ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT102FF
current

Tuesday 21 July 2009

Council Tax scam

Residents are being warned about a telephone scam operating across the county, in which people are told they have not paid the correct amount of Council Tax.



Thanet District Council was alerted to the scam by the Local Government Chronicle after a number of incidents were reported by concerned local people.



Those answering the calls are told they have either paid too much Council Tax and are entitled to a rebate, or not enough and must pay more or be fined. The caller then asks for bank details after pretending to work for Kent County, or Thanet District Council.



The only time Thanet District Council would ask customers for full bank details over the phone is on arrangement of a direct debit for their Council Tax. When asking for any personal information council officers will always ask a number of security questions and if residents are worried they can call the Council Tax team back themselves on 01843 577558.



Cabinet Member for Customer Services Cllr Simon Moores said: “It is important that anyone who receives a call they believe to be suspicious does not give out any personal information. Whilst the numbers of people reporting a suspected call have been relatively low, it is important to make sure our customers are aware of this and to encourage them to be as vigilant as possible. At Thanet District Council we do contact customers about their Council Tax accounts, however there are strict security protocols in place which all officers are required to follow. Customers can always call Council Tax officers back directly on our helpline number if they are worried.”


To report a suspected scam, residents should call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506

IN SEARCH OF OUR ROMAN PAST

The Isle of Thanet Archaeology Society
Presents

IN SEARCH OF OUR ROMAN PAST
On
Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th. July 2009.
At
11pm – 4pm.
@
Hartsdown/Tivoli Park

Displays & Fieldwork including
Geophysics demonstrations, trench work,
Standing displays & pot-washing.

Admission Free.

Also as part of the British Archaeology Festival we are hosting a talk to be given by Paul Bennet of Canterbury Archaeological Trust
On the their findings at the “Thanet Earth” project, to be held at the Broadstairs Campus, Christchurch University @ 7-30pm. on
Thursday 30th. July 2009. Admission £4.00 Adult, £2.00 Students.



Ed the picture comes from 1736 The History and Antiquities as well Ecclesiastical as Civil of the Isle of Tenet, in Kent The Second Edition, With Additions, by John Lewis.
Click here for the cheap reprint this is the second edition is the best and most sought after edition I also have a a nice full leather original copy at £900 in stock at the moment.

Monday 20 July 2009

New documents published by Thanet District Council

20/07/2009 - Agenda published: Meeting of Jul 28 2009 7:00PM, Overview and Scrutiny Panel

20/07/2009 - Agenda published: Meeting of Jul 28 2009 5:00PM, Asset Management Working Group

COAST ALONG TO A BEACH EVENT THIS SUMMER!

There are so many super coastal activities lined up by the Thanet Coast Project this summer that you’re bound to find at least one of interest to you! These free beach based activities are suitable for many different ages so everyone will have the chance to get out and about on our great beaches this summer.

There are specific events for younger children (4-14s) including ‘Geology Rocks’ exploration of rocks and fossils; to ‘BeachART’ marine life sand competitions, a visit to Quex to look at the science and spectacle of the Victorian coast and also fascinating coastal stories – with Sea Monster Trail-Tales and Smugglers and Serpents!

For older children (8-18s), there are free taster sessions for surfing or kayaking, film-making workshops, or even scuba sessions, whilst a few summer specials ‘Beach Blasts’ will be full of different activities for 11-18s – from beach sport, art, surfing, safaris, music and even a barbecue!

For older folk, there’s guided walks with the Rock Doc at Pegwell Bay, Cliffsend and Kingsgate, and Ian Titley from the Natural History Museum with his ‘Seaweeds and their Secrets’ at Botany Bay.

Other family activities include free sailing taster sessions with the Margate Yacht Club and a gentle cycle ride around the Edge of the World Tour.

The only trip which is charged for is the classic four hour seal trips onboard the open yacht ‘Wildlife Sailing’. This trip takes explorers out from Minnis Bay to visit Thanet’s elusive seashore wildlife amongst the rockpools. As Mike Turner plans to retire after 14 years of these popular trips this summer could be the last chance to take part in this exciting off-shore excursion.

Continues…


Tony Child, Thanet Coast Project manager said “We’ve arranged so many free beach play activities this summer, from seashore safaris, surf, sailing and scuba tasters to filming workshops and amazing stories from the sea, thanks to support from the Big Lottery. I really hope to see lots of local families making the most of these free activities, especially with record numbers of people holidaying closer to home this year. Places for our activities are limited so anyone who wants to take part should get online at http://www.thanetcoast.org.uk/ or call in to their local Visitor Information Centre to get themselves booked in quickly!”

Full details of all the summer activities can be found at http://www.thanetcoast.org.uk/ or on the Thanet Coast Summer 2009 events poster.

ROGER GALE – SUMMER RECESS ARRANGEMENTS


21st July – House of Commons rises


26 – 31 July – The Falkland Islands (Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme) Antarctic Winter visit to the troops.

Contact: Suzy Gale – 07774 841557


Saturday 1 August – Margate/Thanet advice surgery from 10.00 a.m.

Tuesday 4 August – Herne Bay advice surgery from 6.00 p.m.


7 – 23 August – annual family holiday in France

Contact: 07774 841557 or galerj@parliament.uk


Saturday 5 September – Margate/Thanet advice surgery from 10.00 a.m.

Monday 7 September – Herne Bay advice surgery from 6.00 p.m.


23 September – 3 October – Voluntary Service Overseas – GHANA FOUNDATION FOR THE DISABLED

Contact: Suzy Gale – 07774 841557


Saturday 3 October – Margate/Thanet advice surgery from 10.00 a.m.


5 & 6 October – Party Conference, Manchester + Suzy (Conservative Animal Welfare) (07774 841557)


10 – 12 October – The March towards Morphou, CYPRUS (annual anti-occupation rally)

Contact: Suzy Gale – 07774 841557


12th October - House of Commons sits.


Saturday 17 October – Herne Bay Surgery from 9.00 a.m.


Email: galerj@parliament.uk
suzy@galemail.com


Office: 01843 848588 – mornings – Debi & Kay

New documents published by Thanet District Council,

20/07/2009 - Agenda supplement published - Agenda Supplement : Agenda Supplement: Meeting of Jul 23 2009 7:00PM, Council

Saturday 18 July 2009

The last weeks planning applications

Ed. The TDC planning website is one of the most bizarre websites I have ever come across in as much as the web addresses of the pages on it change after a few hours so you can’t publish links to them. If you want to look at any of the applications you need to go to the site and enter the application reference in the search box, this link takes you to the site http://www.ukplanning.com/thanet


17 Jul 2009
A/TH/09/0552
BHS, WESTWOOD RETAIL PARK, MARGATE ROAD, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 2PX
current
17 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0436
143-147, HIGH STREET, RAMSGATE
current
17 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0454
ROSE FARM MANSTON RAMSGATE CT125BU
current
17 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0485
75 RANCORN ROAD MARGATE CT95DQ
current
17 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0516
17 CHANTRY PARK SARRE BIRCHINGTON CT70LG
current
17 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0549
BHS, UNIT A, WESTWOOD RETAIL PARK, MARGATE ROAD, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 2PX
current
15 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0491
7 BEACONSFIELD GARDENS BROADSTAIRS CT102AR
current
15 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0531
ST ETHELBERTS CHURCH,HERESON ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT11 7DS
current
15 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0541
ROYAL SCHOOL FOR DEAF CHILDREN VICTORIA ROAD MARGATE CT91NB
current
15 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0543
ROYAL SCHOOL FOR DEAF CHILDREN VICTORIA ROAD MARGATE CT91NB
current
15 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0547
7 CHERRY TREE GARDENS RAMSGATE CT126QS
current
13 Jul 2009
C/TH/09/0540
EGERTON MANOR THE STREET ACOL BIRCHINGTON CT70JA
current
13 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0450
PRESTON PARK CARAVAN SITE PRESTON ROAD MANSTON RAMSGATE CT125AR
current
13 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0483
BRADSTOW SCHOOL 34 DUMPTON PARK DRIVE BROADSTAIRS CT101RQ
current
13 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0505
GREENLAWNS SOWELL STREET BROADSTAIRS CT102AU
current
13 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0535
21 ST. PETERS ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT102AP
current
13 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0536
EGERTON MANOR THE STREET ACOL BIRCHINGTON CT70JA
current
13 Jul 2009
L/TH/09/0537
EGERTON MANOR THE STREET ACOL BIRCHINGTON CT70JA
current

New documents published by Thanet District Council,

17/07/2009 - Agenda supplement published - Agenda Supplement : Agenda Supplement: Meeting of Jul 23 2009 7:00PM, Council

Friday 17 July 2009

Swine Flu

Swine Flu is the common name given to a new strain of influenza. There are a growing number of cases being reported across the Country, some within Thanet. However the majority of these cases have proved relatively mild.

How do I avoid catching or spreading the virus?

Be aware of good hygiene i.e. washing hands, use of tissues "Catch it-Bin it"

Good hygiene

Preventing the spread of germs is the single most effective way to slow the spread of diseases such as swine flu. You should always Catch It, bin it, kill it:

Ensure everyone washes their hands regularly with soap and water

Clean surfaces regularly to get rid of germs

Use tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze

Place used tissues in a bin as soon as possible

Establish a network of 'flu friends' – healthy friends and relatives - who can help if you fall ill.


They could, for example, collect medicines and food for you

Make sure that you have an adequate amount of paracetamol-based cold remedies in the house in case you become ill

If you have flu-like symptoms and are concerned that you may have swine flu:
F

irst go to the NHS website (opens in a new window) or call the Swine Flu Information Line on 08001 513 513 for more information

If you fall ill at work, go home until you have fully recovered

If you fall ill at home, don't go to work until you are fully recovered

If you are ill and concerned call your GP who can provide a diagnosis over the phone

If you are at work and are well, stay at work. If you have individual concerns, call your GP

Please do not go into your GP surgery, or to a hospital, as you may spread infection to others

If swine flu is confirmed, ask a healthy friend or relative to visit your GP to pick up a document entitling you to antiviral medication

They will then need to pick the medication up at a collection point as advised by your GP (a local pharmacy or similar)
Unless you have flu-like symptoms, there is no need to stop your normal everyday activities

Note: If you belong to a high-risk group it is particularly important you start taking antivirals as soon as possible. High-risk groups include people with long-term conditions, those over 65, children under five and pregnant women.

Where can I find out more?

For the latest information on swine flu and for an explanation of swine flu, its symptoms and treatment, go to the NHS website (opens in a new window) or call Tel: 0845 4647.
NHS Direct Symptoms checker

For essential cross-government information on swine flu, including the latest advice on travel, schools and public services, go to the DirectGov web pages (opens in a new window)on swine flu.

Thanet Summer Sports Programme 2009

Monday 20th July - Monday 31st August

Thanet District Council sports team is pleased to offer another action packed summer of activities for local children and young people to enjoy during the summer holidays.

The programme offers a range of activities for different ages from 5 - 18 years old.

To check out the full list of activities please look at the weekly breakdowns below, the summer sports brochure (pdf, 1.33mb) or the 'at a glance' timetable.

Highlights include;

Urban Sports Event
Broadstairs Water Gala
Minnis Bay Fair
Beach Blasts
Lark in the Park
Sport Matters Parks Tour
Events by week






Action taken to restore listed building

An important and well known listed feature on Ramsgate seafront will now be restored to its former glory, after Thanet District Council’s Planning Committee voted to compulsory purchase it last night (Wednesday 15 July).

The listed property, 1 Granville Marina, is better known locally as the Marina Restaurant.

This action is being taken by the council after two separate Urgent Works notices and a Section 48 Repairs Notice has been served two of which the owners have failed to comply with. The remedy for non- compliance of the notices is to serve a compulsory purchase order under the Act.

The council will now seek a developer who will enter into a ‘back-to-back’ agreement with the authority and will be contracted to re-instate the listed building to the council’s satisfaction.

English Heritage has indicated that they will indemnify Thanet District Council against expenses incurred in the purchase of the property.

Once this has been initiated by the council, the owner of the building has a right to appeal to a Magistrates’ court.

Cllr. Ken Gregory, Chairman of the Planning Committee, said: “Committee members feel strongly that this property be restored as there was a considerable local concern when part of the structure came down last year. The action that the Members of the Planning committee have voted for will enable the work to be carried out on this building to bring it back to its former glory.”

Wednesday 15 July 2009

Labour's Mortgage Rescue Scheme has hardly rescued anyone

“We are facing more and more home repossessions in Thanet and Sandwich and where is the Mortgage Rescue Scheme that was launched to save these families from repossession?” said Laura Sandys.

Since January when it was eventually launched – having been announced in Autumn 2008 – only six families across the country have avoided repossessions because of this scheme.
With a prediction that up to 75,000 house repossessions will occur in Britain by the end of 2009, this government scheme is obviously failing.


There is £285 million sitting somewhere in Whitehall unable to be accessed by the families who need it in East Kent and around the country.

Grant Shapps, the Conservative Shadow Housing Minister said “We were told by Ministers that the elderly, families with young children, the disabled and pregnant women would be helped and that 6,000 homeowners would be able to stay in their homes as a direct result of this policy…. the scheme’s failure certainly cannot be attributed to a lack of demand.


Since January, 5,342 homeowners have contacted their local authority about difficulties paying their mortgages including nearly 1,500 in the priority categories the Mortgage Rescue Scheme was specifically introduced to help.”


“I meet people all the time who are facing real financial difficulties and ask me about the Mortgage Rescue Scheme in the anticipation that it is there to help them.” said Laura. “On the Government’s current record I am not sure that I can give them any reassurances at all that the scheme will keep them in their homes.”

Tuesday 14 July 2009

Wheelie bin roll-out

Another 3,000 properties across Thanet will be joining the council’s wheeled bin scheme over the next few months.

The first roll-out will see 1,000 homes joining the scheme, with the first collections due at the beginning of September. Those properties who are being added into the scheme will be receiving leaflets informing them of the details during this week (week beginning Monday 13 July). The homes are located in Birchington, Broadstairs, Ramsgate, Margate, Manston, Westbrook and Garlinge.

The extra properties will be added on to the existing wheeled bin rounds to bring them up to capacity. The roads on this roll-out are either near to existing wheeled bin areas or can easily be incorporated into an existing round.

This will be followed by an additional 2,000 properties, mainly in Margate and Ramsgate, with collections due to start in end October / early November.

Under the scheme, waste that cannot be recycled is collected one week from the black lidded bin, while recyclable items, such as recycling plastic bottles, tins, cans, paper and cardboard, are then collected the following week in the blue lidded bin.

Cllr. Shirley Tomlinson, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said: “This roll-out is part of the council’s ongoing work to try and get as many properties as possible on to the wheeled bin scheme and has been planned for some time. However, these additions to the wheeled bin scheme may well be the last for some time, as the existing rounds that we have will now be filled to capacity. Much as we’d love to get wheeled bins out to every suitable property in Thanet, doing that would require considerable additional investment into new rounds and we just simply don’t have the money to do that at the moment. We’re currently investigating ways that we can roll the scheme out further, but that could take some time.”

By the time the latest roll-out is completed, 44,000 homes across Thanet will be on the wheeled bin scheme, covering nearly 70% of the households in Thanet within our existing resources.

Agenda published: Meeting of Jul 23 2009 7:00PM, Council

14/07/2009 - Agenda published: Meeting of Jul 23 2009 7:00PM, Council

FIND OUT WHAT’S ON THIS SUMMER FOR YOUNG PEOPLE!

There’s no excuse to be bored this summer now the summer edition of Youth Matters is out!

Youth Matters, a magazine written, photographed and modelled by local young people aged between 11-19, with help from Thanet District Council’s Communications team is being distributed across Thanet this month (July).

It features six weeks of activities organised for the school holidays by Engage, a partnership of youth organisations that includes Thanet District Council’s Sport Matters team, Hang 10, Pie Factory Music, Pipeline, Thanet Coast Project, Sport 4 NRG, Joss Bay Surf School and Thanet Leisureforce.

The Youth Matters magazine has two editions with one for young people aged between 11 and 14 and one for young people aged between 15 and 19 years. The summer edition also focuses on alcohol and sexual health with features on Drink and the Law, facts about alcohol, how to survive a first date and for the older edition information about the young people’s clinics in Thanet.

Hollie Childs, who is one of the teens on the editorial board of Youth Matters, said: “Youth Matters is a great way of finding out about local events; most of them are free, so it’s even better! I really can’t wait for the Sound Island Festival and I know my mates and I won’t be bored this summer holiday! I’d really recommend young people to pick up their own copy of Youth Matters and get everyone talking about the busy, exciting summer hols’ you’re all going to have!”

Copies of Youth Matters are available at schools, libraries and youth clubs, for your copy call 01843 577050. For full details of what’s happening this summer visit http://www.thanetyouthmatters.co.uk/

New documents published by Thanet District Council,

15/07/2009 - Meeting scheduled: Jul 15 2009 7:00PM, Planning Committee

Monday 13 July 2009

ROGER GALE PULLS THE PINTS AT THE PRINCE OF WALES PUB IN HERNE BAY,

The date: FRIDAY 17 JULY
The time: 7.15 p.m.
The place: The Prince of Wales, 173 Mortimer Street, Herne Bay

Roger Gale MP will be dropping in at The Prince of Wales in Herne Bay as publicans across the country celebrate the third Proud of Pubs Week.

And the public are being urged to join them as the fightback to keep the great British pub alive begins.

Roger is one of more than 100 MPs visiting pubs during the national celebration of pubs, organised by The Publican magazine, which runs from July 11 to 19.

The MP will be seeing for himself the positive contribution that The Prince of Wales makes in its community, as well as discussing issues with licensee, Graham Dash, as pubs face up to an unprecedented series of challenges in 2009, ranging from spiralling beer taxes to the credit crunch.

Other events in Proud of Pubs Week will include pubs putting on their own Proud of Pubs Night, many of them trying out new entertainment for the first time, and pubs highlighting the huge contribution of the industry to charity.

Recent research of more than 1,000 pubs, carried out for Proud of Pubs Week, suggests that the average pub raises more than £2,000 for charity every year.

Daniel Pearce, managing editor of The Publican, said: “Pubs do so much for their communities, raising millions of pounds annually for local charities and providing the warm welcome and friendly atmosphere that brings people together every night of the week. But they are facing an unprecedented threat – from rising beer prices, competition from supermarkets and the impact of the credit crunch.

“Proud of Pubs Week is a dedicated moment in time for licensees and their customers to remind everyone, especially their local media, of all the positive elements that pubs bring to their communities – we urge you to get behind your own local during the week! Visit your local and enjoy an experience that is quintessentially British”

Sunday 12 July 2009

Last weeks planning applications,

Ed. The TDC planning website is one of the most bizarre websites I have ever come across in as much as the web addresses of the pages on it change after a few hours so you can’t publish links to them. If you want to look at any of the applications you need to go to the site and enter the application reference in the search box, this link takes you to the site http://www.ukplanning.com/thanet01 Jul 2009

09 Jul 2009
C/TH/09/0528
ROYAL SCHOOL FOR DEAF CHILDREN, WESTCLLFF HOUSE, 37 SEA ROAD, WESTGATE-ON-SEA, CT9 1NB
current
09 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0464
86 HUGIN AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT103HN
current
09 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0489
64 PLAINS OF WATERLOO RAMSGATE CT118JE
current
09 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0514
16 MINSTER ROAD WESTGATE-ON-SEA CT88BP
current
09 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0518
NEW LIFE FAMILY CHURCH, ST. PETERS ROAD, MARGATE, CT91TE
current
09 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0526
2 ST. MILDREDS AVENUE RAMSGATE CT110EE
current
09 Jul 2009
L/TH/09/0490
64 PLAINS OF WATERLOO RAMSGATE CT118JE
current
09 Jul 2009
L/TH/09/0533
20-20A, THE PARADE, MARGATE, CT9 1EX
current
09 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0476
52 CORNWALL GARDENS CLIFTONVILLE MARGATE CT92JE
current
09 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0500
ST. AUGUSTINES COLLEGE 125 CANTERBURY ROAD WESTGATE-ON-SEA CT88NL
current
09 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0502
91 LONDON ROAD RAMSGATE CT110DW
current
09 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0509
1 SHERWOOD GARDENS RAMSGATE CT117AP
current
09 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0520
3 GUY CLOSE BROADSTAIRS CT103NF
current
09 Jul 2009
L/TH/09/0508
ROYAL ALBION HOTEL 6-12 ALBION STREET BROADSTAIRS CT101LU
current
07 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0357
JANICES NEWSAGENTS 84-86 RAMSGATE ROAD MARGATE CT95RY
decided
07 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0372
5 HIGH STREET BROADSTAIRS CT101LP
current
07 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0442
118 NEWINGTON ROAD RAMSGATE CT126PP
current
07 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0469
ROYAL SCHOOL FOR DEAF CHILDREN VICTORIA ROAD MARGATE CT91NB
current
07 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0497
243 MARGATE ROAD RAMSGATE CT126SU
current
07 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0499
28 FORT CRESCENTMARGATECT9 1HX
current
07 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0504
6 QUEENS GATE ROAD RAMSGATE CT117RQ
current
07 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0506
STONELEES GOLF CENTRE EBBSFLEET LANE RAMSGATE CT125DJ
current
07 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0515
BRADGATE CARAVAN PARK MANSTON COURT ROAD MARGATE CT94LG
current
07 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0521
65 INVICTA ROAD MARGATE CT93SG
current
07 Jul 2009
L/TH/09/0478
3 KENT TERRACE RAMSGATE CT118LU
current
07 Jul 2009
L/TH/09/0511
28 FORT CRESCENTMARGATECT9 1HX
current

Saturday 11 July 2009

Video Gary Rhodes at Thanet College

Youth Matters Hollie and Mike were invited to attend the National Junior Chef competition 2009 and thanks to the Thanet College's marketing team they enjoyed a tasty lunch and got to meet the great chef himself Gary Rhodes. You can read more questions they put to Gary at www.thanetyouthmatters.co.uk



Ed the picture is of the clock in the Montefiore synagogue in Ramsgate, more pictures of it here

Wednesday 8 July 2009

DIPPERS AND DUNKERS

A major new event, celebrating New Variety and Burlesque, is coming to Margate later this summer.
Dippers and Dunkers takes its name from the town's history as a sea bathing destination and runs from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 August. Aiming to acknowledge the heritage of Margate's seaside traditions with a contemporary twist, the festival is being coordinated by Arts Development at Thanet District Council, with wide-spread support and funding including Margate Charter Trustees and EKLAAP. It's hoped it will be a taster event for a full week long event in 2010.

International New Variety and Burlesque performers will descend on the Theatre Royal Margate on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 August, to perform in the specially created 'Sassy Seaside Show' produced by Sword-swallowing 'Miss Behave' and Professor Vanessa from the National Fairground Archive, University Sheffield. The show includes magic, acrobatics, aerial displays, glamour and burlesque.

The Festival will also bring back the incredible Slideshow Illusions that were in Dreamland in the 1950s, including the famous 'Woman in a Goldfish Bowl' and the amazing "headless" and "legless" women. Street magic and circus skills workshops are amongst the other highlights in the festival and these start from Monday 17 August to Wednesday 26 August. For those that have always wanted to try their hand at being a 'Burlesque Performer' beginners workshops are available for men and women, their are suitable for all sizes and abilities.

Prior to the Dippers and Dunkers weekend itself, people can visit the touring exhibition from the National Maritime Museum, Skin Deep, in the windows of the former Roseby's shop in the Centre, Margate. Running from Saturday 1 August until Sunday 6 September, the exhibition traces the history of its tattoo and will showcase the best of local tattoo art. Admission is free. During the weekend itself, between 10am and 5pm, you can share the history of your own tattoos with the opportunity to have it photographed. These images will then be used to create two giant Thanet tattoos that will become part of the exhibition.

Cllr. Shirley Tomlinson, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said: "Dippers and Dunkers promises to be one of the most colourful and unique highlights of Margate's packed programme of events. The idea behind this festival is wonderful and it's great to see Margate's illustrious history as a superb seaside destination being showcased in this way. It fits in perfectly with the plans to create the world's first amusement park of historic rides at Dreamland and I look forward to enjoying what's on offer over the weekend."

For more information, visit http://www.dippersanddunkers.org.uk/ or call 0870 264 6111.

Ed the picture is of the clock chiming bells on the Montefiore synagogue in Ramsgate.

TACKLING A STICKY PROBLEM

Pupils from a Ramsgate school have joined forces with Thanet District Council to campaign against chewing gum litter.

The youngsters, from Old Priory School, were in Ramsgate town centre today (Wednesday 8 July) to encourage shoppers to "bin your gum when you're done"

They created anti-gum litter designs for a T-shirt competition, sponsored by the council, with the winning design printed on to T-shirts and modelled by staff and pupils. Shoppers in the town were also able to see slogans and displays of the various posters created by the pupils, with free Gum Wraps for chewing gum and Stubbies for cigarette butts and chewing gum also available.

They were joined by representatives from the council's Waste and Recycling team and Community Wardens, who were highlighting the £80 Fixed Penalty Notices which will be handed out to anyone seen dropping chewing gum.

Cllr. Shirley Tomlinson, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said: "Chewing gum is the most difficult type of litter we have to deal with. Because it's so sticky, normal cleaning methods, such as street cleaning and litter picking, just don't work. Instead, we have to use more extreme methods, like jet washing or steam cleaning, to remove it and both cost a lot of money, which comes out of the taxpayers' purse. I'd like to thank the pupils and staff at the Old Priory School for all the work they've done on this campaign to remind everyone of the problems that chewing gum litter causes."

New documents published by Thanet District Council,

06/07/2009 - Minutes published: Meeting of Jun 17 2009 7:00PM, Planning Committee

Ed the picture is of the works of the Montefiore synagogue clock in Ramsgate. Sorry I was a bit late getting these two up they appeared on the councils website after items dated later which confused me.

Tesco Community Fair

Hundreds of people turned out to visit a Community Fair at Tesco Broadstairs Extra, it was one of twenty stores selected nationally to host a Community Fair. Twelve Charities, twelve food and drink suppliers a national barbecue competition and local face painter, all played their part to encourage the local community to volunteer for local charities and organisations.

Free food and drink was supplied by Nestle, Kellogs, Weetabix, Coca Cola, Pringles and Tesco, all going down a treat. The charities involved were The National Autistic Society, Prostate Cancer Support, Girl Guides Thanet Division, Demelza Childrens Hospice, Kent Air Ambulance, Muscular Dystrophy, Marie Curie and Whizz Kids. Face painting by local artist Bryony of Fancy Face went down a storm, Bryony worked non stop from start to finsh and was still working whilst everyone was leaving, including stall holders.

Whilst all this was going on the regional heat of 'Britains Best BBQer' was cooking up a culinary delight for all to see. Four contestants battled it out on the barbie for 45 minutes preparing and cooking a Chicken Ciabatta. Points were awarded for preparation, grilling, presentation, texture and taste.Local man Austin Bourlet won the day and received his prize of a £100 barbecue, presented to him by Steve Ladyman MP, Austin now goes on to the final on 13th August.

Tesco Community Champion Dennis Hart said " All the customers I spoke to were really supportive and thought it was a great idea, the charities gave out lots of literature on how local people can play their part for these worthy causes. For just giving as little as one hour a week you would be amazed what a difference you could make, volunteer work can, not only make a difference to other people but for the individuals themselves. It was also great to receive support from Dr Stephen Ladyman MP for South Thanet and seeing first hand that our Tesco Community Plan and one of its important values - actively supporting our local community really working".

If anybody would like information on how they can support local charities and organisations please contact Dennis Hart at Tesco Broadstairs Extra Telephone 01843 257700














Tuesday 7 July 2009

Last weeks planning applications

Ed the picture is of the window in the roof of the Montefiore Synagogue in Ramsgate.

The TDC planning website is one of the most bizarre websites I have ever come across in as much as the web addresses of the pages on it change after a few hours so you can’t publish links to them. If you want to look at any of the applications you need to go to the site and enter the application reference in the search box, this link takes you to the site http://www.ukplanning.com/thanet
01 Jul 2009

A/TH/09/0498
THE SWAN 75 SEA ROAD WESTGATE-ON-SEA CT88QG
current
01 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0406
LAND NORTHWEST OF, DOWN BARTON ROAD, ST. NICHOLAS AT WADE, BIRCHINGTON
current
01 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0423
50 HARTSDOWN ROAD MARGATE CT95RD
current
01 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0443
ST. JOHNS COMMUNITY CENTRE VICTORIA ROAD MARGATE CT91LN
current
01 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0444
24 MAGNOLIA AVENUE CLIFTONVILLE MARGATE CT93DX
current
01 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0466
58-60 HARBOUR PARADE, RAMSGATE, CT11 8LN
current
01 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0477
183 GRANGE ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT11 9PP
current
01 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0480
135 WESTBROOK AVENUE MARGATE CT95HH
current
01 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0482
10 GRENHAM ROAD BIRCHINGTON CT79JH
current
01 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0492
58 PARK AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT102EZ
current
01 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0495
27 BRASSEY AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT102DS
current
01 Jul 2009
F/TH/09/0501
43 BELMONT ROAD WESTGATE-ON-SEA CT88AY
current
29 Jun 2009
F/TH/09/0281
GRENHAM BAY COURT CLIFF ROAD BIRCHINGTON CT79JX
current
29 Jun 2009
F/TH/09/0409
68 KING STREET MARGATE CT91QE
current
29 Jun 2009
F/TH/09/0414
2-6 HARBOUR STREET BROADSTAIRS CT118HA
current
29 Jun 2009
F/TH/09/0460
THE TOWER, CLIFF PROMENADE, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 3QY
current
29 Jun 2009
F/TH/09/0465
VERE ROAD CAR PARK, VERE ROAD, BROADSTAIRS
current
29 Jun 2009
F/TH/09/0472
30 LONDON ROAD RAMSGATE CT110DG
current
29 Jun 2009
F/TH/09/0473
FLAT 1 SOWELL STREET BROADSTAIRS CT102AT
current
29 Jun 2009
F/TH/09/0474
STAR OF THE EAST HALL 49 EDGE END ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT102AH
current
29 Jun 2009
F/TH/09/0481
CHAPEL HILL SERVICE STATION 236 RAMSGATE ROAD MARGATE CT94EU
current
29 Jun 2009
F/TH/09/0484
11 MEADOW ROAD MARGATE CT95JJ
current
29 Jun 2009
F/TH/09/0487
108 PIERREMONT AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT101NT
current
29 Jun 2009
F/TH/09/0488
AN CALADH NORTH FORELAND AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT103QR
current
29 Jun 2009
F/TH/09/0493
E F LANGUAGE SERVICES 44 FITZROY AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT103LS
current

Ladyman welcomes £9m Thanet Community Care Scheme

South Thanet MP, Stephen Ladyman, has today welcomed the announcement today of a new £9m project to reduce health inequalities and improve access to health care in Thanet.

Speaking from Westminster he said:

“This initiative by our local Health Service is excellent news. Not only will it mean that every Thanet citizen has easy access to a GP from 8am to 8pm the project will also target health inequalities right across the District. As well as having hubs in Ramsgate and Margate the Thanet Community Care Scheme will also have a mobile unit so it can deliver health care into the heart of communities like Cliftonville.

People who commute, or people start off to work early and get home late, often have problems getting to see their own GP at a time that is convenient so this service will be great news for them.

It will also be great news for people in the District who currently are not getting the care they need because they aren’t registered with a GP or don’t have the information or support needed to live a healthy life. People from poor backgrounds have on average a life expectancy that is 13years less than people from prosperous backgrounds and they have traditionally found it more difficult to live healthy lifestyles and to access health services. This new initiative will work through primary schools to get children started on the right path to health, will deliver services right into the heart of local neighbourhoods and will use organizations like the Scrine Foundation and Porchlight to reach people living rough and in poor accommodation.

No-one will be made to register with this service or to use it if they don’t want to. No existing GP services will be reduced or cut to pay for it and the service has been planned to complement and not replace existing family doctors in Thanet.

Unfortunately, local Conservatives have attacked this sort of project, they remain wedded to the belief that convenient services are something only private health schemes should provide. The Labour view is that the NHS should be accessible for everyone and should give patients a world class service at times and places that suit the individual.”

Press Release Stephen Ladyman MP - Dumpton Park Drive Garden Party

“All that is necessary for evil to succeed is that good people do nothing.”
Edmund Burke

Thanet District Council is attempting to give itself planning permission for a 4-bedroom house upon land for which it holds no freehold title. Despite 18 months of evidenced, legal argument against it, the planning department pursues its course despite being forced to temporarily withdraw it at a full Council meeting on 23 April. For the full story so far, visit http://www.thanetstrife.blogspot.com/ and read



‘The Extraordinary Conduct of TDC in Dumpton Park Drive’ parts 1 – 4.
If you’ve ever said to yourself things like, “How do they get away with it? … What can you do? … Something should be done“ about whatever story of injustice you’ve read or heard, here’s a chance to help support people who decided to pay attention to Edmund Burke’s words.
Come and join us on Saturday 11th July from 2.00pm.

Along with many thousands of pounds spent in legal advice against TDC, your neighbours have applied to KCC to have the ‘open land’ between 132 & 134 Dumpton Park Drive, Broadstairs given ‘Village Green’ status. This area, which TDC does not own, has been taken for granted as a pleasant green space and a community asset and focal point in this stretch of Dumpton Park Drive for over 40 years. TDC does not own it therefore it cannot sell it, why then is it attempting to grant planning permission to itself?


We invite you to show solidarity with your neighbours and join them in free refreshments. Let’s show we’re a community rather than just the providers of cash for the Council to run itself to its own agenda. Dr Steve Ladyman MP for South Thanet will be making a speech and our Ward Councillors will be in attendance.

We look forward to meeting you and enjoying our summer garden party.
If you require any further information, please contact 603368.

Press Release above on behalf of residents of Dumpton Park Drive regarding their campaign against a Council Planning application. There will be a Garden Party on Sat 11th July from 2pm held on the land residents wish to see given ‘village green status’.

Dr Ladyman MP and Ward Councillors will be in attendance.

Monday 6 July 2009

Allowances received by Members -- 2008/2009

06/07/2009 - Library item published: Allowances received by Members -- 2008/2009

06/07/2009 - Library item published: Members' Allowance Scheme - 2009-2010

NEW PARKING PILOT STARTS

A new system of parking charges will be piloted in five high street areas of Thanet later this month (Monday 20 July).

The scheme, known as linear charging, will mean that people would be required to pay a minimum charge of 20p for parking and then 1.5p per minute thereafter up to a two hour maximum. Previously, the minimum charge was 50p and then there was a sliding scale of set charges, depending how long people were parking for.

Linear charging will be piloted for a period of six months in the following high street areas:
- Cavendish Street, Ramsgate
- Northdown Road, Cliftonville
- High Street, Margate
- Marine Drive, Margate
- Belvedere Road, Broadstairs
- High Street, Broadstairs
- Charlotte Street, Broadstairs
- Station Road, Birchington

The linear charging pilot scheme is being trialed after research was carried out by the Broadstairs and St Peter's Chamber of Commerce into a number of different parking schemes used across the UK. After discussion with traders' groups in the five areas, it was agreed to pilot the new scheme.

Thanet District Council will be monitoring how the new parking scheme is received by carrying out a number of user surveys and getting feedback from local traders throughout the pilot. If successful, it could be extended to other parts of Thanet.

Cllr Sandy Ezekiel, Leader of Thanet District Council, said: "I was really pleased when Broadstairs Chamber of Commerce brought this idea to me and I'm delighted that we have been able put their idea into place for a trial six months. Many people think that free parking would be the answer, but we aren't in a position to offer that. I feel that this is the next best thing at this moment in time. A lot of research and hard work has gone into finding out which parking scheme should be used and I welcome feedback from everyone on how this parking option works for them."

Howard Evans, Former Chairman of Broadstairs and St Peter's Chamber of Commerce, said: "It's great to see a project that the Chamber of Commerce were so passionate about, being put into place for the benefit of everyone in Thanet. We did an exceptional amount of work to find out which parking options worked best and we are really pleased to see linear parking come to fruition. We feel that linear parking allows residents and visitors to pay a realistic price for the amount of parking that they need."

Saturday 4 July 2009

The village of Birchington is to stage its own salute to the King of Pop.

The Michael Jackson Tribute competition will be held at the King Ethelbert School at the end of the month.

But auditions will be held soon in preparation of the event. Comperes John Worrow, a parish councillor, and Ralph Hoult, entertainments manager at Ramsgate’s Granville Theatre, will host the show. To audition for a spot at the July 31 event potential performers need to decide on which of four categories they want to apply for.

They are: the young Michael, the older Michael, The Jackson Five group and the Michael non lookalike (music tribute category). To get involved call Cllr John Worrow on 07847303256 or Julie Francis on 01843 841796.

Cllr Worrow said: “We expect this to be a fun event for all the family.” The Birchington Village Partnership are staging the show.

The winners of the tribute competition will get to perform at Birchington Village Partnership's Outdoor Event at Minnis Bay on Sunday, September 20 and the Starlite Entertainers dance act will also entertain.

Thursday 2 July 2009

FOLLOW THE RECYCLING JOURNEY

Thanet residents can find out more about what happens to their recycling once it leaves their homes at a special event later this month. (July)

An open day is being held at the Viridor Material Recycling Facility on the Canterbury Industrial Park at Hersden on Saturday 11 July between 10am and 2pm. It's a joint event between Thanet District Council, Canterbury City Council and Viridor.

You can watch the journey of your recycling, with a tour every 15 minutes for groups of six people. Bookings are being taken on the day and the last tour leaves at 1.45pm. Recycling advice is also available from experts, including Thanet District Council, Viridor, Kent County Council Freecycle and Fairtrade.

Cllr. Shirley Tomlinson, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said: "This will be a great opportunity for residents to find out more about the journey their recycling takes and what new life it could go on to. It's one of the questions we're most frequently asked by people and this day will help to provide answers to that question."

Victor Perez-Mares, Viridor's communications manager, commented on the event: "It's very important that residents see for themselves how the process works, so that they're reassured all their efforts to keep resources out of landfill are very worthwhile."

A free bus is available, which will be leaving from Cecil Street, outside the Gateway, at 10am, 11am and 12pm, returning back to Margate with the bus leaving at 11.30am and 1.30pm. Places are limited and must be booked on a first come first serve basis by calling 01843 577827 or email fiona.jarrett@thanet.gov.uk

Residents can also get there by car, with free parking. The Recycling Facility is located at the Canterbury industrial site, just off the A28 from Thanet to Canterbury, with the new Breeze Stagecoach service dropping off right outside the recycling centre.

Thanet Matters Shop local

Shop local – that’s the message on front of the summer edition of the council’s magazine, “Thanet Matters”, as it encourages people to explore what’s on offer on their local high street.

The “shop local first” feature looks at what you can find in Broadstairs, Ramsgate and Margate, along with Birchington and Northdown Road in Cliftonville, and also reminds people that there are smaller areas of Thanet with unique local shops. The aim is to encourage people to head first for their local high street, supporting local busineses.

This issue of “Thanet Matters” is being distributed through the KM Thanet Extra during the week beginning Monday 29 June.

Elsewhere in the 16 page issue are details of the Sport Matters and Thanet Coast Project events being put on for young people this summer and the summer events taking place around the District, with a focus on the new Dippers and Dunkers Festival.

There’s also an update on the latest measures to tackle crime in Thanet from the Thanet Community Safety Partnership and news from the Thanet Works team on the projects they will be supporting.

As well as being distributed through the KM Thanet Extra, “Thanet Matters” can be collected from Thanet’s Gateway Plus, local libraries and Visitor Information Centres.

You can also be added to the mailing list for “Thanet Matters” by calling 01843 577034 or e-mailing press.office@thanet.gov.uk

NEW NIGHT BUS LAUNCHED Thanet District Council press release

A new night bus service is being launched to help ensure clubbers in Thanet get home safely after a night out.

The service is being funded and has been organised by the Thanet Community Safety Partnership, a group of organisations which aims to make Thanet a safer place to live, work and visit. It will be operated by Eastonways and there will be a police presence on the bus. The bus will have posters on the front and sides, advertising that it is the night bus.

Operating on Friday and Saturday nights between 11pm and 3am, the service will start on Friday 17 July and will run until Saturday 5 September. All journeys anywhere in Thanet will cost £2 with the routes starting and finishing at Queens Road in Broadstairs.

There will be stops across the area, including Broadstairs station, St. Peter's, Northdown Road, Margate seafront, Cecil Square in Margate, Westwood, Staner Court in Ramsgate, and Ramsgate Harbour. Additionally, the bus can be flagged down anywhere along the route.

Community Safety Coordinator Jessica Bailey said: "One of our key concerns is to ensure that those who are enjoying a night out across Thanet are able to get home safely. The night bus service will give them a safe and low cost way of ensuring that. We've put the funding into this scheme, because we think it's something that will really help to keep people safe and hopefully reduce the potential for crime. However, it's something that we're doing on a trial basis and we now need people to use it, otherwise we won't be able to continue with the service, if the demand isn't there."