Thanet Press Releases

This blog is made up from press releases sent to me by Thanet organisations or individuals and information gathered from the Thanet District Council website. If you send me a press release for publication here please make it clear what the title is, which bit you want in the comment part and what you want it tagged at the bottom e.g. Steve Ladyman press release. Press releases should be sent to me by email at this email address michaelchild@aol.com just text and images not pdf.

Friday, 27 August 2010

Margate lifeboat station prepares to celebrate its 150th birthday

Crew and supporters at Margate RNLI lifeboat station are preparing to commemorate a special occasion with 2010 marking 150 years of sea rescue services being provided by the RNLI in the town.

A day of celebrations are to be held on 29 August (bank holiday Sunday) with a more formal occasion later in the year when the RNLI will present the station with a framed 150th Anniversary Velum.

The day of activities will centre around the harbour and the piazza area adjacent to the old town area and highlights of the various activities will include;
Representative stalls from RNLI Sea Safety, HM Coastguard, Kent Police, and Kent Fire and Rescue will be on hand until around 5pm.

RNLI souvenir stall together with other craft stalls.

At 3pm both our own two lifeboats together with the Ramsgate lifeboat will carry out a rescue display in the harbour (call-outs permitting!).

Between 1pm and 9pm live music will be playing in the piazza area. Bands expected include; The KD Jazz and Dance Orchestra, The Bodegas, The Blox, Westcoast Soulstars and Physical Graffiti with a DJ playing in between the bands.

At some time during the day we are expecting the Kent Air Ambulance helicopter to make an appearance together with a fly past by the ever popular RAF Red Arrows display team
It is hoped the restored historic lifeboat William & Kate Johnston will be on display either in the harbour or on the main sands beach.

Nobody will go hungry! A burger stall, ice cream van and Caribbean food by Eli will be on hand to keep you going together of course with the many nearby bars and cafes surrounding this vibrant part of the town.

A Caribbean night is being laid on in aid of the RNLI at the Hussar public house at Westbrook. Starting at 4pm, the event will include Caribbean food, a basket ball shoot-out, coconut shy, limbo dancing and a surfboard simulator. From 8pm until midnight a band will be playing.

The West Coast public house has invited everyone along to continue the party later in the evening.

Although this is a day of celebration and commemoration the business of lifesaving at sea is a
serious and at times a hazardous and dangerous one and the courage and dedication of generations of lifeboat crews who have manned the town’s lifeboats over the last 150 years will not be far away in everyone’s mind.

Local boatmen had been putting to sea to rescue others for many years previously but it was in April1860 that the Lifeboat Institution (later to become the Royal National Lifeboat Institution) took over and stationed the first lifeboat in Margate named Angela and Hannah.

Since then the volunteer crews have provided a continuous service to the community manning the various RNLI lifeboats that have been stationed in the town.

Highlights of the station’s history include;

Continuous service throughout the Second World War, one of the busiest periods in the station’s history mainly rescuing the pilots of crashed aircraft. In September 1940 one such pilot Richard Hillary was rescued, he was a descendant of Sir William Hillary, founder of the institution.
In May 1940 the lifeboat The Lord Southborough took part in the evacuation of troops from the beaches of Dunkirk. 600 servicemen were rescued from the beaches.

In 1978 the town’s jetty was destroyed in a storm and the lifeboat North Foreland had to be rescued from the damaged boathouse.

In 1999 the current all-weather lifeboat, Leonard Kent, spent 31 hours at sea standing by after the collision between the container ship Ever Decent and the cruise ship Norwegian Dream.
There are presently two lifeboats stationed at Margate the Mersey class all-weather lifeboat Leonard Kent and the IB1 class inshore lifeboat Tigger Three.

Currently there are 31 volunteer crewmembers (plus a full-time mechanic) who make up the operational team at the station.

The coxswain is Trevor Lamb who is a full-time commercial fisherman and the Lifeboat Operations Manager is Paul Hodson.

As important as the front line team are the fundraisers and the station has an active fund-raising branch.

Further information together with more detail of the station’s history can be found at; /rnli_near_you/east/stations/MargateKent.
Later in the year a formal dinner will be held locally when the RNLI will present the 150th

Anniversary Velum to the station.

Paul Hodson, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Margate says: 'This is an important year for the station as we commemorate the commitment and sacrifice of generations of volunteer lifeboat crews and of course our supporters who have maintained the traditions of the lifeboat service over the last 150 years.

'When we look at the pictures and artefacts chronicling our station history we all feel extremely proud and privileged to be involved in maintaining what is an important part of the local community. It is the special nature of the RNLI, with its unique voluntary ethos and relying totally on public donations that inspires our crews, fundraisers and supporters to serve the local as well as the wider seafaring community.'

Tuesday, 24 August 2010

VOTING REGISTER OPEN FOR RESIDENTS

Thanet residents are about to start receiving their voter registration forms through their letterbox, and if you don’t complete them, you’ll lose your right to vote.

2011 will be a busy year with District and Parish Council elections and a referendum on the voting system for the Parliamentary elections, all due to take place on Thursday 5 May.
Thanet District Council will send out voter registration forms from Wednesday 25 August and details can once more be confirmed online or by free phone, all of which saves bringing or sending the forms back to the council.

Residents who don't want to lose their chance to vote in the forthcoming elections shouldn't delay in responding to the form. Only those people whose names are on the register will be able to vote.

Households that have not received a form by late September, or have any questions about completing the form, can e-mail electoral.services@thanet.gov.uk or can call 01843 577500.

Sunday, 22 August 2010

Last weeks planning applications,

New documents published by Thanet District Council,

20/08/2010 - Agenda published: Meeting of Aug 31 2010 2:30PM, Asset Management Working Party

19/08/2010 - Agenda published: Meeting of Sep 1 2010 5:00PM, Shared Services Working Party

19/08/2010 - Minutes published: Meeting of Aug 17 2010 10:00AM, Licensing Sub Commitee

19/08/2010 - Meeting held: Aug 19 2010 10:00AM, Shared Services Working Party - Shared Services Vehicle Sub-Group

18/08/2010 - Meeting held: Aug 18 2010 7:00PM, Planning Committee

Friday, 20 August 2010

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS COME TO MARGATE

Some of Margate’s many historic buildings and sites will be throwing open their doors next month (September), as part of Heritage Open Days.

A total of 12 different venues will be taking part in the initiative, which runs from Thursday 9 September until Sunday 12 September. It’s been organised under the banner of Margate Arts, Creativity, Heritage (MACH), an innovative partnership between English Heritage, the Arts Council and Thanet District Council.

The four days will include free tours, talks, live music and arts events, all inspired by Margate’s history and its culture-led regeneration. Dreamland will be offering a tour of the world famous former amusement park site and a presentation about its future as the world’s first heritage amusement park. Margate Museum, the town’s former police station, will be hosting a performance with a difference, in the former prison cells, which date from 1858. A live band will play music from the 60s to commemorate the detention of 51 Mods there following the Whitsun Riots of 1964.

Guided tours will also be available of The Reading Rooms, a luxury boutique bed and breakfast; St. John’s Parish Church; the Theatre Royal, which is home to the country’s second oldest working stage; and the Tom Thumb Theatre, one of the world’s smallest working theatres.

Visitors to the town can also take a look inside the Tudor House; explore the archives of Margate Baptist Church; take a walking tour of three squares (Cecil, Hawley and Addington); and can explore Margate Old Town. Turner Contemporary will be putting on an exhibition in a pop-up shop, as part of Generate, a project they are working on with Thanet College, while the Harbour Arm will be showcasing an exhibition and auction of postcard-sized art, with all proceeds going to the RNLI.

MACH Project Manager, Sophie Jeffrey, said: “Margate has a special place in the history books and in many people’s hearts, so we hope this event, which increases access to historic sites and helps bring them to life through the arts, will be a big hit. It’s also a great way to open up a conversation with local people about how we can secure the long-term future of Margate’s cultural assets.”

The event is being run with help from a group of volunteers, including the Margate Civic Society. It is hoped that this pilot may lead to more regular opening of Margate’s historic buildings and, for those in public ownership, generate sustainable plans for their long-term future.

For more information on the venues taking part and what they will be offering, visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk

HOME DEBT HELP NOW AVAILABLE

If you’re having problems paying your mortgage or rent or are in debt, you could get some Home Debt Help from Thanet District Council.

The debt advice service is encouraging people to come forward and get help at the earliest possible opportunity.

Cllr. Chris Wells, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “If you’re in debt, having problems paying the mortgage or your rent, it’s a problem that you need to tackle now. It may be that, in the current economic climate, the main earner in your house may have recently lost their job or had their hours reduced. Changes like that impact on families and our team is here to help if that’s the case.”

The council’s housing options team is offering a free and confidential housing and debt advice service, which can help with how to maximise your income, reduce your outgoings and can provide information about the benefits available to people.

They can also offer advice and help with applications for the Mortgage Rescue Scheme, which aims to help householders, who have seen their income change dramatically and need help in paying their mortgage. In more complex cases, referrals can be made for more specialist help in legal services and debt advice.

The service was launched after Thanet was identified by the government as a “hotspot” for evictions and repossessions, due to increased levels of redundancies and unemployment.

You can find out more at www.thanet.gov.uk/homedebthelp To get in touch with the Home Debt Help scheme, you can either call 01843 577277 or e-mail housing@thanet.gov.uk The service is free and confidential.

Thursday, 19 August 2010

Battle of Britain memorial flight Friday 20th flypast Manston at 12.41

This should be 3 spitfires and a hurricane I believe although I am not certain of the details, any more detailed information would be helpful.

Well done!

School results are imminent and as always there will be a lot of media speculation. If students get good results is this because the exams have been dummed down – and if students do not get better results than last year, are standards in schools are falling? Both the students and the teachers who have all worked extremely hard over years to get the best grades must sometimes feel despondent by the media clamour! I certainly do.

While there are many policies that the Coalition believes need to change in education, each and every one of our local students should be commended for their results this summer. Some young people are natural straight A students, others have to work extremely hard to get the grades that they want. We must always recognise that some of our schools leavers are just not academic – and that didn’t hold Sir Richard Branson back!

But applying for university, further education or getting work will be the challenge now facing our school leavers. There will be some who will be disappointed in not getting to their first choice university but I urge them to enter the university clearing process through www.ukus.ac.uk. Thanet College has a wide range of exciting courses that link directly into professions and opportunities for work.

However It is those young people now looking for work who we as a community need to help support. And so I call on our small businesses locally to consider taking on apprentices if they can and if they contact Business Link or Connexions, these organisations will help with recruiting keen young people who are looking for their first job.

For my part I want to commend all the young people for their results – and say a big thank you to the teachers and parents who have supported their children over many years.

Wednesday, 18 August 2010

WHAT ISSUES NEED TACKLING IN YOUR AREA?

Residents in Ramsgate and the nearby villages are being asked what issues need tackling and which communal areas need clearing up.

The council’s Operation Clean Sweep will be heading out to these areas later this month (August) and will have people from Community Payback, who will be available to help with clearing up.

Clean Sweep draws in officers from a range of organisations, including Thanet District Council, Kent County Council Trading Standards, Kent Police, the Kent Fire and Rescue Service, UK Border Agency and the Serious Organised Crime Agency.

The operations take place every month and focus on tackling problems in specific areas, such as housing or planning enforcement or trade waste. It is also an opportunity for the team to meet local people and business owners and find out about their concerns in their areas.

Cllr. Chris Wells, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “Operation Clean Sweep is here to tackle the problems that need dealing with. Although our officers have a good idea of problem areas, there are sometimes things that they’re not aware of. That’s why we’re encouraging people in Ramsgate and the surrounding villages to let us know of any hot spots that they feel need attention or any issues that we should be tackling.”

To put forward any suggestions for the next Operation Clean Sweep, call 01843 577737.

REGISTER TO OFFER ACCOMMODATION FOR OPEN GOLF

Local people are being reminded that they can now register to offer bed and breakfast accommodation for next year’s Open Golf Championship in Sandwich.

Dover District Council and its partners, including Thanet, are aiming to top up the list of available accommodation for the event.

A new website at www.opengolfsandwich.co.uk has been launched, which aims to be a “one-stop shop” for visitors and residents. The site lists all accredited Kent hotels, guest houses and local residents willing to take in bed and breakfast guests, as well as travel and local resident information.

There is a £60 registration fee to become a temporary accommodation provider, which covers the cost of the website listing and a visit to provide advice on facilities, rates, fire risk and public liability. Colebrook and Sturrock are the official agents for property lettings over the period of the Open.

More than 180,000 spectators, staying between one and seven nights, attended the Open when it was last staged in Sandwich in 2003, contributing an estimated £17.6 million to the local economy. Even more visitors are expected for the 2011 tournament, which takes place from Sunday 10 July until Sunday 17 July.

The website has been developed by Dover District Council in partnership with Visit Kent, Kent County Council, and Canterbury, Shepway and Thanet councils.

For further information, please visit www.opengolfsandwich.co.uk or call Dover District Council’s tourism team on 01304 240477.

Tuesday, 17 August 2010

Last weeks planning applications,

New documents published by Thanet District Council,

Kent restaurant aids Pakistan flood relief with beach front pop ups

Ambrette beach-front pop ups to benefit Pakistan flood victims with ‘North West Frontier’ food
Margate restaurant to back ‘Restaurants Against Hunger’ with Zebra and Nile Perch dishes
*18-course ‘Taste Sensation’ menus on Sunday nights in September*

Acclaimed executive chef Dev Biswal of The Ambrette Restaurant In Margate, is to cook ‘North West Frontier’ dishes at a series on pop up kitchens along the Thanet coast in aid of Pakistan flood relief.

The Michelin-listed fining Indian dining venue (formerly the Indian Princess) has been planning a 2-month fund-raising promotion to benefit ‘Restaurants Against Hunger’ charity appeal in the autumn But following the severe floods in north-west Pakistan, Biswal decide more urgent action was needed. UN estimates that over 1600 people have lost their lives. Many more have lost their homes, possessions and livelihoods with in 1 in 10 ten of the population being affected as heaviest monsoon rains ever recorded have swept away entire villages.
“Rather than just make a donation or rattle a collecting tin, I also want to do something that will draw attention to these people’s plight,” said Biswal.
Biswal decided that with thousands of hungry holiday makers heading for Thanet’s clean, safe sandy beaches this summer, a series of “pop up” cookery demonstrations would make ideal fund-raising events.

“The cooking style and spices of this area of the country bordering Afghanistan are very distinctive,” said Biswal who be serving such typical Pashtun dishes as lamb shish kebabs, beef chapli, chicken pilau and Pashwari naans,

Proceeds will go to the Red Cross and the UK's Disasters and Emergency Committee (DEC)
Later in the year, The Ambrette will also be supporting the ‘Restaurant Against Hunger’ by donating £1 each time a customer orders zebra steak or Nile perch throughout the months of September and October. Customers can also choose to make an additional voluntary contribution. They serve a dual purpose as they contribute to the economy of rural African economies.

Pan-grilled zebra steak is served with a complex sauce of plums, ginger and black pepper. The deep red meat with a medium grain is sweeter than beef but retains a game flavour. Ambrette uses Burchell’s zebra, the only subspecies that can be hunted. Culling excess stallions helps numbers grow. Income from meat and hunting brings extra revenue to the rural economies of Southern Africa and prevents poaching of endangered species.
Tanzanian Nile Perch is pan-grilled with peppers, coriander, fenugreek and carom seeds, is served with a gently spiced and fragrant sauce of mustard, ginger and kari leaves. Considered one of the world's best table fishes with a higher omega-3 content than any other, the perch has a light, delicate flavour with a white firm and flaky flesh.

The pop up will be dependent on the weather. For times and location check www.theambrette.co.uk In September The Ambrette will be serving an 18-course ‘Taste Sensation’ menu on Sunday evenings

Arlington House could look more like this -

rather than like it does . . .

Arlington House Residents Association has unveiled its own aspirations for the refurbishment of the tower block. The exterior of Arlington House is due to be upgraded as part of the redevelopment of the Arlington site.

The site is owned by Thanet Council and is on lease to multi-national property investment company Freshwater. Freshwater has made several attempts to steam clean and stain the exterior concrete panels of the seafront tower but the results are far from satisfactory. Residents Association Chairman Ron Greene says, “I am amazed that Freshwater is continuing to experiment with trying to paint over the concrete panels. They have been exposed to nearly 50 years of weathering in an exposed environment. Salt, sand and dirt have taken their toll. The steam cleaning merely pushes the dirt and salt further into the concrete. The painting of the panels does nothing to rid the building of its reputation as an eyesore as the inherent discolouration can still be seen. The Association has presented the Council with a report detailing options which would meet the requirements of the Councils own planning brief. This latest report contains sample images to give an idea of what the block could look like if this one off opportunity is properly grasped. Freshwater should not be allowed to just to the bare minimum in order to get planning permission for Tesco to be allowed onto the site.”

The Councils Adopted Planning Brief was published in October 2008 and outlines the requirements for the redevelopment of the Arlington site. The document makes numerous references to matters relating to Arlington House including:
improve the environment of residents; improving the visual impact; changing the public perception; high quality external refurbishment; sustainability; energy efficiency and environmental impact improvement.

The Planning Brief also provides for a Section 106 agreement which allows the Council to require the developer to refurbish Arlington House to become a positive landmark. The Council has recently issued a press release entitled “Countdown to Turner” announcing £100,000 to be spent on improving seafront eyesores. However, the biggest of those eyesores – Arlington House – is missing from the list. Cllr. Latchford is quoted as saying, in essence, that he does not want the eyesores to impact the views of Turner Contemporary visitors.

The Residents Association first put forward a report in February 2009 showing the sort of changes and improvements that could be made to the building as a result of complete external cladding. Other tower blocks in Thanet had already been refurbished using a similar principle.

Ron Greene commented, “I do not feel that what we have seen from Freshwater so far comes anywhere near what is needed to improve the block to the satisfaction of the Arlington residents, the Council or the people of Margate. Freshwater plans have still not materialised – here we are nearly two years on from the planning brief and still awaiting details of what Freshwater intends to do. Clearly, the eyesore of Arlington House will still be the first thing that people arriving by road or train to visit the Turner Contemporary will see when it opens in May next year. ”. ENDS

Contact: Ron Greene 07754 588193/01843 230074

Please note that the illustration of how Arlington House COULD look is for illustration

purposes only and is not meant to be an accurate representation of the actual façade of

Arlington House.

Monday, 16 August 2010

MONSTER BASS BRINGS THOUSANDS TO RAMSGATE

Over 30,000 visitors flocked to Ramsgate for the town’s newest event, the Monster Bass Festival.

The free two-day event (Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 August), organised by Thanet District Council, brought the legend of the Monster Bass to life through a family friendly festival.

Top quality street entertainers, including sea themed walkabout acts and stage shows, delighted the crowds on both days. Music was presented by the organisers of the popular Wantsum Jazz Festival, while children were able to take part in art workshops. Visitors were also able to purchase seafood, local products and arts and crafts during the weekend.

On the Saturday night, the giant Monster Bass, created by local artist Maggie John, was paraded through the streets of Ramsgate, led by drummers and dancers, where it was ceremonially returned to the sea. Thousands were treated to a special performance of the Monster Bass legend by storyteller, Emily Parrish and a stunning firework finale set to the Monster Bass sound track composed by Mark Bandola.

The weather on Saturday morning brought heavy rain and flash floods, but thanks to the speedy response of the emergency services, the event could still go ahead. Drier weather on the Sunday brought even more people into Ramsgate.

Leader of Thanet District Council, Cllr. Bob Bayford, said: “The Monster Bass Festival proved to be a great success, despite the weather’s best efforts to dampen the event. We had a really positive response from visitors, who enjoyed the two days of entertainment that the council put on. There really was something for everyone to enjoy over the course of the weekend. The council would like to take the opportunity to thank some of those who worked with us to make the Monster Bass Festival possible. That includes Mark Bandola, who composed the soundtrack, Emily Parrish, who told the story of the Bass, Maggie John, artist and creator of the Bass and Southern Water who sponsored the soundtrack.”

ELECTRONIC TAGS FOR BENEFIT CHEATS

Three Ramsgate residents will spend the next few months living with an electronic tag, after they were handed curfew orders for benefit fraud.

Mark Bateman (44) from the Paragon was claiming Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Incapacity Benefit, based on the fact that he was a single person. A joint investigation with the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) discovered that he was living with a friend, Stacey Hollinshead, who later became his partner. She was in full time employment. As a result, he was overpaid £18,851.21. During interviews, Mr. Bateman had claimed that he had been visited by an officer from the DWP, advising him that he could live with his partner, but no record of this visit was ever found.

At Canterbury Crown Court last week (Monday 9 August), Mr. Bateman pleaded guilty to seven charges of false representation from May 2006. He was told that his early guilty plea, full admissions and repayments saved him from custody, although he was given a 10 month suspended prison sentence. He will also spend four months on a curfew order with an electronic tag, to ensure he remains at his home between 7pm and 7am.

In the second case, Colin North (56) from Augusta Road was claiming Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Income Support, on the basis he was out of work and had no capital money. A joint investigation with the DWP showed that he had undeclared accounts, with over £90,000 in capital. He was interviewed and stated that money had been inherited from the death of his partner’s mother. It had been verbally agreed that it would be given to their children, but had been left to Mr. North and his wife.

He was overpaid a total of £28,512.66, but prior to the case going to court, he paid back £9,312.63 of this money. At Canterbury Crown Court on Thursday 5 August, Mr. North pleaded guilty to three charges of failing to promptly notify of a change in circumstances. Sentencing him, Judge James stated that “the benefit system is a safety net and, when people take money from the system, they take from everyone. He obtained a significant sum and his claims were fraudulent almost from the outset. He was able to keep his savings and live off the state, whilst giving money to his family.”

Taking into account his early guilty plea and the fact he had re-paid a significant sum, he was given a six month suspended sentence and a four month curfew, with electronic monitoring. He has to be at home between the hours at 8pm and 6am.

The final case was against Tina Dannahy (54) from Pegwell Road, who was receiving Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Jobseekers’ Allowance. She failed to notify the council and the DWP that her partner had been living with her since July 2008.

In her first interview, she denied having anyone living with her, but by the second interview, she admitted her partner was living with her, saying she was scared to tell the truth and didn’t want to go to prison. In total, she was overpaid £8,752. At Margate Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 5 August, she pleaded guilty to the charges and was given a compensation order to pay back the money and a six month curfew order. During that time, she will be electronically monitored and will not be allowed to leave her home between 7pm and 7am each day.

Cllr. Simon Moores, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, said: “In each of these cases, although these fraudsters may not have gone to prison, they have still lost their liberty. They’re all on electronic tags for a number of months, sentenced to curfew at their homes, severely limiting their social life, particularly in the run-up to Christmas, and in one case, over the festive period and New Year itself. It just goes to show the impact that benefit fraud can have on people’s lives, when they’re caught. Some of their freedom has been taken away from them for a period of time as a result of these sentences. This should send out a strong message to everyone about the penalties the courts are prepared to impose on benefits fraudsters.”

If any of them fail to comply with the curfew order, they will be taken back to court.

Friday, 13 August 2010

DALBY SQUARE

Viking playground

Dalby Square playground

I feel compelled to respond to the email below and set out the council's
position. It’s really frustrating that people are being misled in this
way over plans to ‘take away their community green’.

Not only has this land been clearly designated for housing in
Thanet’s current local plan since 2006, but the area is also
extremely well served by two play areas - one of which is in Dalby
Square itself (see photo attached).

The second is a state-of-the-art play area - the Viking playground -
funded by the council and central government. This is less than two
minutes walk away from Dalby Square (see photo attached).

Furthermore, to say that there has been a lack of consultation is
simply not true. The council has carried out a number of high-profile
consultations regarding the future of the site as part of its asset
management programme and the development of the Local Plan. In
addition, both the Viking play area and the one in Dalby Square itself
had a high degree of residents’ input.

The applicants are a housing association and the proposed scheme will
provide high quality social housing. It will provide 32 units of housing
and as we have c.4,000 people on the waiting list the need for this
scheme is unanswerable.

Yours sincerely
Cllr Robert Bayford
Leader of Thanet Council

CHILDREN PROTEST AGAINST DALBY SQUARE PLAN

TV Choice to Cllr Robert Bayford

DALBY SQUARE PROJECT GROUP
01843 228 414

PRESS RELEASE

AUGUST 2010
MULTICULTURAL MEETING PLACE UNDER THREAT

CHILDREN PROTEST AGAINST PLAN TO TAKE AWAY THEIR GREEN

This Saturday, 14th August, at 2pm angry residents of Dalby Square, Margate, are planning to protest against plans to take away their community green.

There will be a children’s fun day with children signing a giant hoarding protesting against the plans.

The protest has been sparked by Thanet Council’s decision to recommend the green for sale to make way for a new housing project.

Residents complain of a lack of consultation over the decision which will mean, they claim, the loss of the one and only play space for children in the square.

Jenny Cranstone of the Dalby Square Project group, which has been widely praised for its work in improving the square, said: “If this land is lost, where else can our young people safely play?”

The green has been praised as a valuable meeting place and recreational area – in particular helping bridge gaps between local people and multicultural newcomers to the square. All this, residents fear, is now at risk.

She said: “All ages, but particularly the young people see this land as their own area. When they heard of plans to build, they were not just dismayed at another council plan to put money over welfare, they were angry and determined to campaign to stop it.”

The children of the square have produced a hoarding featuring images of stars like Michael Jackson and will be signing the hoarding in protest against the council’s decision. The protest will take the shape of a “fun-day” with obstacles races, nail painting and other events.

The official consultation period over the plans for the square is due to end on Friday August 27th. This means Thanet Council’s cabinet chose to recommend the plans before the residents group had their chance to make their opinions known – which has sparked great anger among local people.

The fun day will take place between 2pm-4pm on Saturday 14th August. For more details ring Jenny Cranstone 01843 228 414.

Ramsgate Free Jazz Festival

Wantsum Jazz is holding its sixth annual Jazz Festival on the 14/15th August in the Royal Harbour, Ramsgate, and on 28,29,30th August in the Churchill Tavern, Ramsgate.

click on the link for the line-up http://www.michaelsbookshop.com/Wantsum2010/

WORK STARTS ON RAMSGATE LANDMARK

Repair work has started on a landmark building on Ramsgate seafront.

It follows lengthy discussions between Thanet District Council and the Rank Organisation. The work is being carried out by Rank to the Royal Victoria Pavilion on Harbour Parade, which is owned by Thanet District Council. Rank, as the tenants, have responsibility to keep the building in good repair.

Over the next few months, a range of work will be carried out to put the building back into tenantable repair. This will include redecoration and work to the roof of the pavilion. By the time the work is completed, it is hoped that this will lead to its reoccupation.

Cllr. Roger Latchford, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “This is a hugely iconic building and an important public landmark on Ramsgate seafront that local people will be familiar with. We’ve been asked a number of times what’s happening with the pavilion and I’m delighted that work is now starting there to improve it. We’re hopeful that this work will be the start of a process that will eventually lead to further regeneration of the seafront and reoccupation of the building.”

CHILDREN PROTEST AGAINST DALBY SQUARE PLAN

MULTICULTURAL MEETING PLACE UNDER THREAT

CHILDREN PROTEST AGAINST PLAN TO TAKE AWAY THEIR GREEN

This Saturday, 14th August, at 2pm angry residents of Dalby Square, Margate, are planning to protest against plans to take away their community green.

There will be a children’s fun day with children signing a giant hoarding protesting against the plans.

The protest has been sparked by Thanet Council’s decision to recommend the green for sale to make way for a new housing project.

Residents complain of a lack of consultation over the decision which will mean, they claim, the loss of the one and only play space for children in the square.

Jenny Cranstone of the Dalby Square Project group, which has been widely praised for its work in improving the square, said: “If this land is lost, where else can our young people safely play?”

The green has been praised as a valuable meeting place and recreational area – in particular helping bridge gaps between local people and multicultural newcomers to the square. All this, residents fear, is now at risk.

She said: “All ages, but particularly the young people see this land as their own area. When they heard of plans to build, they were not just dismayed at another council plan to put money over welfare, they were angry and determined to campaign to stop it.”

The children of the square have produced a hoarding featuring images of stars like Michael Jackson and will be signing the hoarding in protest against the council’s decision. The protest will take the shape of a “fun-day” with obstacles races, nail painting and other events.

The official consultation period over the plans for the square is due to end on Friday August 27th. This means Thanet Council’s cabinet chose to recommend the plans before the residents group had their chance to make their opinions known – which has sparked great anger among local people.

The fun day will take place between 2pm-4pm on Saturday 14th August. For more details ring Jenny Cranstone 01843 228 414

Wednesday, 11 August 2010

A Summer Squall - a fantastic new Ramsgate arts festival 28-30 August 2010

A fun-filled three day event with a wide variety of arts activities and experiences for people living in and visiting Ramsgate! Come along over the three days of the August Bank Holiday (28th, 29th and 30th August) and enjoy an explosion of creativity. There is a full diary of events and our programme is downloadable as well as being available at the Ramsgate Visitor Centre at The Custom House, Harbour Parade, Ramsgate.

http://www.ramsgatearts.org/

Ed click on the link for program of events as an ordinary webpage http://www.michaelsbookshop.com/SummerSquallfestival/

SPORT MATTERS PARKS TOUR

Sport is being taken out and about around Thanet this summer for young people to enjoy on their own doorstep.

The council’s Sport Matters parks tour is now underway and has already visited Dane Park in Margate and Minster recreation ground, where 116 young people have turned out to enjoy the activities on offer. These include the now famous inflatable football pitch, volleyball, rounders, cricket, Ultimate Frisbee and tug of war. It’s aimed at those aged eight to 18 years old and all events are free. You just need to turn up on the day.

The tour next heads to the Millmead SureStart Fun Day, which runs from 11am to 3pm on Tuesday 17 August. The next outing of the parks tour is to Newington Community School, as part of the National Play Day, between 12pm and 3pm on Thursday 26 August. The tour finishes on Minnis Bay seafront on Sunday 29 August between 12pm and 4pm.

Sports Development Officer, Martyn Cassell, said: “Our Sport Matters parks tour is always hugely popular, with our inflatable football pitch now a familiar sight around the area. It’s a great way of taking a variety of different sports out into the community and to the doorstep of young people in Thanet.”

DIPPERS AND DUNKERS RETURNS TO MARGATE

New Variety, Burlesque and seaside entertainment returns to Margate, with the popular Dippers and Dunkers festival expanding to cover a whole week.

The event, run by Thanet District Council, is now into its second year, and runs from Friday 20 August until Friday 27 August, offering something for every member of the family. The event kicks off with the Sassy Seaside Show at the Theatre Royal, featuring a range of different acts, including the Bears, Amber Topaz, Romany, Ryan Styles and the Sugar Dandies. Tickets are £15 and £12.50 for concessions.

The opening weekend sees the return of the unique sideshow illusions to Margate Old Town, where you can see the new, fully restored Monster Show and Professor Jon’s Flea Circus, as well as marvelling at the Headless Lady and the Girl in the Goldfish Bowl. In the Piazza, you’ll find the insect museum crawling around, while there are Punch and Judy shows being put on there on both days at midday, 2pm and 3pm. The Old Town will also be home to a Bo-Ho Market during the weekend. There’s also the chance to Be a Mermaid or to take part in a Burlesque workshop.

On Saturday 21 August, you can also enjoy free talks, with one looking at popular entertainment in Margate at midday, followed by another at 2pm, looking at famous circus entrepreneur Barnum. There’s also the chance to learn all about the sideshows and their history on Sunday 22 August at midday. All the talks take place at the Community Pharmacy Gallery.

There’s also a chance to be more active as part of Dippers and Dunkers, with 1950s Keep Fit on the Beach taking place from Monday 23 August to Friday 27 August at 8.00am. Later each day, at 10.00am, there will be Tai Chi by the Sea, with both put on by the council’s Sport Matters team. For younger members of the family, there are free puppet making children’s workshops at the Community Pharmacy Gallery and circus workshops at the Margate Media Centre during the week.

A series of infamous, famous and relatively unknown illustrations will be on display as part of Margate Drawn, sponsored by Southern Water at the Harbour Arm Gallery from Friday 20 August until Monday 30 August.

Leader of Thanet District Council, Cllr. Bob Bayford, said: “Dippers and Dunkers was a huge success when it debuted in Margate last year. This year, it’s bigger and better than ever. There are so many different things to see and do and the vast majority of them are free. The festival is all about bringing down high quality entertainment and opening up the arts to everyone in Thanet. From insect museums to Punch and Judy shows, Dippers and Dunkers demonstrates just how much fun the arts can be.”

You can find out more about Dippers and Dunkers at the website: www.dippersanddunkers.org.uk or by calling 01843 577577.

COMMENDATION FOR CCTV OPERATOR

A CCTV operator has received a commendation from the High Sheriff of Kent, after helping to secure the arrest of a gunman who nearly blinded his victim, when he shot him in Ramsgate.

Andrew Selfridge from the council’s CCTV team was on duty on the night of 18 December 2009, when he was made aware of a fight in Camden Square. Nearby CCTV cameras were used to monitor the area around the Plains of Waterloo, behind the Camden Arms pub. A large crowd appeared, who were arguing.

A man walked up to the group from the bottom of the Plains of Waterloo in an agitated state. He then pulled a hand gun from his coat pocket and threatened one of the crowd with it. Most of the crowd parted, but one man had not seen the gun and it was fired three times into his face. The man received a puncture wound injury, two millimetres below his eye, and was lucky not to lose his sight.

Andrew alerted the police on the CCTV unit’s police radio as a priority call, which is the highest grade a call can be given. The CCTV system was then used to follow the man to a nearby address, with police given details of his whereabouts and his description.

The police closed the surrounding roads and a firearms team was sent to the address. At his trial, the man was sentenced to six years in prison, for possession of an imitation firearm, with intent to endanger life.

A person can only be commended for the award from the High Sheriff of Kent by a judge. In this case, Andrew was put forward by His Honour Judge Nash at Canterbury Crown Court. He was commended for the “prompt, efficient and professional manner in which he acted in detecting the offence, following the defendant on CCTV and leading the police to premises at which he was subsequently arrested.”

Andrew said: “Naturally, it's always nice to be recognised for your work, but I felt slightly embarrassed and humbled to be awarded the High Sheriff of Kent’s commendation. All of the CCTV operators can regale you with tales of the things they've seen, some of them funny, some horrific and some that just make you wonder! I think the award is more a reflection on the work we do as a team in CCTV, than my specific efforts.”

Cllr. Chris Wells, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “This shows just how valuable our CCTV system is; and in particular the importance of vigilant and capable operators. Those thinking of breaking the law should understand very clearly how cameras can be used to track an offender and help with their arrest. I am delighted Andrew has been awarded this commendation for his excellent work in helping to bring this case to court, and ensuring a dangerous criminal was brought to justice.”

Tuesday, 10 August 2010

Last weeks planning applications,

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

09 Aug 2010
F/TH/10/0598
368 NORTHDOWN ROAD MARGATE CT93PQ
current
09 Aug 2010
F/TH/10/0618
REEVES YARD HAWLEY STREET MARGATE
current
09 Aug 2010
F/TH/10/0627
MCNAB KENNELS, SHUART LANE, ST NICHOLAS AT WADE, BIRCHINGTON, CT70NB
current
09 Aug 2010
F/TH/10/0630
39 EPPLE BAY ROAD BIRCHINGTON CT79EN
current
09 Aug 2010
F/TH/10/0634
33 MAYNARD AVENUE MARGATE CT95PT
current
09 Aug 2010
F/TH/10/0641
21 ST. PETERS ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT102AP
current
09 Aug 2010
F/TH/10/0646
ADDINGTON LODGE ADDINGTON STREET MARGATE CT91PW
current
09 Aug 2010
F/TH/10/0647
27-29 ALEXANDRA ROAD MARGATE CT9 5SP
current
09 Aug 2010
F/TH/10/0648
183 WESTBROOK AVENUE MARGATE CT95HN
current
09 Aug 2010
F/TH/10/0658
1A NORTHDOWN WAY MARGATE CT93QU
current
09 Aug 2010
L/TH/10/0657
PEGWELL LODGE PEGWELL ROAD RAMSGATE CT110NJ
current
06 Aug 2010
A/TH/10/0599
368 NORTHDOWN ROAD MARGATE CT93PQ
current
06 Aug 2010
F/TH/10/0395
THE NORTHDOWN 33 SUMMERFIELD ROAD CLIFTONVILLE MARGATE CT93EZ
current
06 Aug 2010
F/TH/10/0571
18 WESTBROOK AVENUE MARGATE CT95HA
current
06 Aug 2010
F/TH/10/0603
46 HAWLEY SQUARE MARGATE CT91NY
current
06 Aug 2010
F/TH/10/0626
63-67 KING STREET RAMSGATE CT11 8NX
current
06 Aug 2010
F/TH/10/0640
28 COLLEGE ROAD MARGATE CT94AS
current
06 Aug 2010
L/TH/10/0633
46 HAWLEY SQUARE MARGATE CT91NY
current
04 Aug 2010
F/TH/10/0592
18 ST. MILDREDS ROAD MARGATE CT92LT
current
04 Aug 2010
F/TH/10/0608
2 DARYNGTON AVENUE BIRCHINGTON CT79PS
current
04 Aug 2010
F/TH/10/0613
60 CLARENCE AVENUE MARGATE CT93DR
current
04 Aug 2010
F/TH/10/0619
FERNCOT CHURCH ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT101EZ
current
04 Aug 2010
F/TH/10/0631
18 MUIR ROAD RAMSGATE CT118AX
current
04 Aug 2010
F/TH/10/0638
11 CANTERBURY ROAD WESTGATE-ON-SEA CT88JS
current
04 Aug 2010
F/TH/10/0639
24 CLIFFSEND ROAD CLIFFSEND RAMSGATE CT125JD
current
04 Aug 2010
F/TH/10/0642
EGERTON MANOR THE STREET ACOL BIRCHINGTON CT70JA
current
04 Aug 2010
F/TH/10/0643
GARAGE BLOCK ADJACENT TO 17/18 ST CHRISTOPHER'S CLOSE MARGATE KENT CT9 3XH
current
04 Aug 2010
F/TH/10/0644
78-80 STATION ROAD BIRCHINGTON CT79RA
current
04 Aug 2010
F/TH/10/0649
24-28 CLIFTON STREET MARGATE CT91SP
current
04 Aug 2010
F/TH/10/0650
5 CLARENCE ROAD RAMSGATE CT110DX
current
04 Aug 2010
L/TH/10/0499
BROWN & MASON LTD COURT MOUNT 251 CANTERBURY ROAD BIRCHINGTON CT79TD
decided
30 Jul 2010
C/TH/10/0621
21-23 ARTHUR ROAD MARGATE CT92EN
current
30 Jul 2010
F/TH/10/0529
LAND ADJ 13 ALEXANDRA TERRACE, MARGATE, CT9 5SD
current
30 Jul 2010
F/TH/10/0616
38 KING EDWARD AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT101PH
current
30 Jul 2010
F/TH/10/0620
73 CARLTON AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT101BB
current
30 Jul 2010
F/TH/10/0623
MARLOWE ACADEMY MARLOWE WAY RAMSGATE CT126NB
current
30 Jul 2010
F/TH/10/0628
47 VALE SQUARE RAMSGATE CT119DA
current
30 Jul 2010
L/TH/10/0629
47 VALE SQUARE RAMSGATE CT119DA
current
28 Jul 2010
F/TH/10/0501
CROSS CHANNEL SERVICE STATION MOUNT PLEASANT MINSTER RAMSGATE CT124AU
current
28 Jul 2010
F/TH/10/0567
3 LYNTON PARADE, EDGAR ROAD, MARGATE, CT9 2EL
decided
28 Jul 2010
F/TH/10/0622
4 KNIGHTS AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT101EJ
current
28 Jul 2010
L/TH/10/0615
ROYAL VICTORIA PAVILION HARBOUR PARADE RAMSGATE CT118LS
current
28 Jul 2010
F/TH/10/0581
21-23 ARTHUR ROAD, (FORMER WARREN COURT) AND ADJACENT LAND, IN DALBY SQUARE, MARGATE, CT92EN
current
27 Jul 2010
C/TH/10/0609
LAND REAR OF 122 GROSVENOR PLACE MARGATE
current
27 Jul 2010
F/TH/10/0596
9 DEVONSHIRE GARDENS MARGATE CT93AE
current
27 Jul 2010
F/TH/10/0597
29 FAIR STREET BROADSTAIRS CT102JL
current
27 Jul 2010
F/TH/10/0605
MYRTLE VILLA MANOR ROAD ST. NICHOLAS AT WADE BIRCHINGTON CT70NY
current
27 Jul 2010
F/TH/10/0612
SEMAPHORE EAST NORTHDOWN CLOSE CLIFTONVILLE MARGATE CT93YA
current
27 Jul 2010
OL/TH/10/0507
HERESON SCHOOL RAMSGATE ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT101PJ
current
26 Jul 2010
F/TH/10/0487
128 GRANGE ROAD RAMSGATE CT119PT
current
26 Jul 2010
F/TH/10/0538
WESTBROOK HOUSE 145 CANTERBURY ROAD MARGATE CT95BD
current
26 Jul 2010
F/TH/10/0591
LAND ADJOINING 20 - 22 CECILIA ROAD RAMSGATE
current
26 Jul 2010
F/TH/10/0594
72 MANSTON ROAD RAMSGATE CT110RJ
current
26 Jul 2010
F/TH/10/0595
8 ST. MARGARETS ROAD WESTGATE-ON-SEA CT88ED
current
26 Jul 2010
F/TH/10/0600
1 WALNUT TREE COTTAGES COLDSWOOD ROAD RAMSGATE CT125AH
current
26 Jul 2010
F/TH/10/0601
78 MARGATE ROAD RAMSGATE CT117SQ
current
26 Jul 2010
F/TH/10/0604
38 DANE CRESCENT RAMSGATE CT117JT
current
26 Jul 2010
F/TH/10/0610
58 CHURCH STREET BROADSTAIRS CT102TU
current
26 Jul 2010
F/TH/10/0611
THANET SPORTS TROPHIES 260 NORTHDOWN ROAD MARGATE CT92PX
current
26 Jul 2010
L/TH/10/0474
72 PLAINS OF WATERLOO RAMSGATE CT118JE
current
26 Jul 2010
L/TH/10/0602
44 VALE SQUARE RAMSGATE CT119DA
current
26 Jul 2010
OL/TH/10/0578
3-7 SURREY GARDENS BIRCHINGTON CT79SA
current

New documents published by Thanet District Council,

Friday, 6 August 2010

CHANGES MADE TO ASSET DISPOSAL PLANS

A series of changes have been made to the council’s planned asset disposals, following a major public consultation.

A total of 190 responses to the consultation, which was held in late 2009, were submitted to the council, following the publication of 11 sites for potential disposal. As part of the consultation process, three drop-in sessions were held, one in each of the towns, which were attended by 90 people.

Of the sites, four were approved last night (Thursday 5 August) for disposal by Cabinet for the following uses:
1. Former Lodge, St. John’s Cemetery, Manston Road (residential redevelopment)
2. Former promenade toilets, adjacent to Seaview Terrace, Margate (redevelopment, probably residential)
3. Land opposite the Tudor House, King Street, Margate (residential development)
4. Open space, adjoining 33 and 35 Beech Grove, Cliffsend (to the adjoining owners, with a covenant placed on it to prevent development of the land)

With the Staffordshire Street car park site, it was agreed that the disposal process should not commence until a more detailed investigation on covenants and consultation on a more detailed scheme is complete. It was also agreed that no disposal action should proceed at the Marina Car Park, Marina Road, Eastern Undercliff, until a detailed development brief has been prepared and market conditions can support a development.

With the land behind Highfield Road, Ramsgate, it was agreed that, prior to any further action being taken, detailed proposals, including improvements to the playing field will be developed and discussed with immediate neighbours and interested parties.

The other four sites consulted on have been withdrawn and put back on the council’s Asset Register. The Palm Bay Recreation Ground was taken off, because of concerns about the loss of playing fields and car boot market space. After questions were raised about the environmental impact and the heritage of the land at Western Undercliff, including the Chine access from Royal Esplanade, Ramsgate, this was also removed. There will also be further consultation with English Nature and English Heritage.

Following concerns from local groups, currently occupying land at Hartsdown Sports Centre, Margate, this site was also removed, pending the development of a new policy, which is being drawn up for working with community groups. Land at 39 Nelson Place, Broadstairs was withdrawn because of questions over covenants. A fifth site, at Hopeville Avenue, St. Peter’s, was withdrawn for the same reason, before the consultation began.

Cllr. Roger Latchford, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “We’ve heard what people have said to us during this consultation and we’ve responded to those comments. That’s led to four sites from this year’s asset disposals being withdrawn and additional recommendations being made on some of the other sites and shows the importance that the council gives to consultation and listening to its residents.”

BIDDING FOR EUROPEAN CASH FOR RAMSGATE

A bid is to be made for European cash of more than £550,000 to help bring some of the arches along Ramsgate seafront back into use.

Thanet District Council’s Cabinet last night (Thursday 6 August) agreed that the bid should be made to the European Union Interreg Two Seas – Yacht Valley programme for 1,306,500 Euros. The council would be required to match this money. £100,000 had already been set aside in the council’s capital programme for work to the arches and the additional money would be funded by prudential borrowing of £282,070.

If the bid is successful, the money would be put towards refurbishing 14 of the 30 arches along Military Road that are currently not in use. New floors, services and external treatment would be some of the work carried out, including replacing selected external wooden staircases.

The additional rental income from these 14 restored arches would then be used to help contribute to the council’s part of the funding. Two other smaller projects will be exploring possible improvements to the Ramsgate Harbour Boat Yard and the historic Smeaton Dry Dock.

Cllr. Roger Latchford, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “The Military Road arches are a well known sight along Ramsgate seafront and we’d like to see them all coming back into use. It was something this council had been looking to invest in anyway, so it makes sense to put this bid in for European funding, which could help move the project forward. Hopefully, if we’re successful, we can see more of these beautiful arches being brought back into use and at the same time encouraging new marine businesses to be based alongside the harbour. The harbour already generates scores of jobs, but there is business demand for even more, with the advent of the wind farms.”

The council will find out in November whether or not the bid has been successful.

COUNTDOWN TO TURNER

A targeted programme of work has been agreed to help prepare Margate for the opening of Turner Contemporary.

To help fund it, £100,000 from the Seaside Fund will be put into environmental improvements in the town, support for local businesses and marketing the town in the run up to opening and during the first six months of Turner Contemporary.

Cabinet Members were told last night (Thursday 5 August) that the opening of Turner Contemporary will give Margate a unique opportunity, with the focus of the world’s media on the town.

As part of the Creative Margate programme, the plan will identify the top 10 priority projects to work on for the next 12 months, which will focus on improving the area from the railway station up to Turner Contemporary. These include tackling eyesore buildings, such as the Arcadian and Fort Road Hotel, working with the owners of empty shops to develop innovative solutions to bring them back into use, along with tackling priority areas, such as the railway station forecourt. There will also be a range of small scale improvements, such as signage, lighting and to the seafront shelters.

To help support this, there will be a promotional campaign about Margate, along with a number of initiatives for local businesses. This includes extending the Thanet Ambassadors scheme, which has been rolled out over the last couple of months, to equip people who deal with visitors with background information about the area. There will also be business networking events and breakfast seminars.

Cllr. Roger Latchford, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “The opening of Turner Contemporary next year will present Margate with a chance to not only attract new visitors to the town, but to change people’s perceptions of it. The first few months, when those new visitors are coming into the area, will be critical. That’s why we need to focus our attention on preparing Margate for that. A huge amount of regeneration work has already taken place in the town in recent years, but we know there are still some key sites that need tackling. The last thing we want is for those to have an impact on people’s views of the town when they come to visit Turner Contemporary and that’s why we’re putting this programme of work in place, as the town begins to start counting down to the big opening day.”

Victoria Pomery, Director of Turner Contemporary, said: “It is vital that Margate is prepared to receive the thousands of visitors that Turner Contemporary will attract. Word of mouth is so important and we need these visitors to be leaving, having had a great experience of the town and telling friends, family and colleagues about what is happening here.”

MONSTER BASS COMES TO RAMSGATE

Thanet’s newest festival hits the streets of Ramsgate next weekend (Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 August), as the Monster Bass comes to town.

The free two-day event, organised by Thanet District Council, will bring the legend of the lost lands of Lomea to life, culminating in a spectacular sound and light show on Saturday night, when the mysterious Monster Bass will be returned to the seas, from where she came. The parade will see the guardian of the Goodwins carried through the town, from the Paragon to Ramsgate seafront, where a professional storyteller will tell the story of the Monster Bass on Ramsgate Main Sands. The show will be set to a specially commissioned piece of music and will end with a fireworks and sound show on the beach.

Over the weekend, which also marks the start to Sailing Week, visitors to Ramsgate will be able to enjoy seafood and local produce, as well as arts and crafts markets, around the Harbour from 10.30am to 10.00 pm on Saturday and between 11.00am and 6.00pm on the Sunday.

There’s something for all the family throughout the weekend, with music presented by the organisers of the popular Wantsum Jazz Festival. The line-up includes Hamish Stewart, Estelle Rubio, Eli’s West Coast Soul Stars, Christine Tobin and the Harbour Jazz Orchestra.

The entertainment starts on Saturday with Zumba from Shanda’s dynamic dance shop, then you can experience knife throwing at its worst, with Frenetic Engineering, the magic of India with Jardu and Bernie Bennett, tightrope extraordinaire. Bernie returns on the Sunday and is joined by Jason Maverick, with his high energy mime and robotics, while DJ Turbo Jones brings 80s mayhem to the Royal Harbour.

As well as street shows, both days feature some great walkabout acts, ranging from mermaids to merman in chariots, Neptune to deep sea divers, and loony litter pickers to creepy giant bugs. Adding to the fun, children will be entertained with story-telling and can join art workshops, to cast a bass or make their own willow fish.

Leader of the Council, Cllr. Bob Bayford, said: “The Monster Bass Festival will be another great addition to the superb line-up of events that take place in Thanet every year. Residents and visitors will be able to enjoy some wonderful free entertainment across the two days in the beautiful setting of Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour Marina. The Monster Bass will help to bring to life some of the town’s sea-faring legends with an event that offers something for all the family.”

To learn more about the Monster Bass Festival, pick up your copy of the full programme from the Visitor Information Centre, visit www.thanet.gov.uk/monsterbass or call 01843 577577

PLANS FOR MARGATE TASK FORCE AGREED

Plans to create a new Margate Task Force, to help tackle a range of issues in the town, have been agreed by Thanet District Council.

The council’s Cabinet were updated last night (Thursday 5 August) on progress with creating the new team, which aims to bring together people from a range of different organisations, including the police, Thanet District Council, Kent County Council, health, Kent Fire and Rescue Service, probation and JobCentre Plus. The team will focus on community safety, housing enforcement, improving people’s health and wellbeing, skills and employment.

Although the team will mainly be using people in existing jobs, there is also funding from Kent County Council of £500,000, which it’s proposed will be used on establishing a new Housing Enforcement Team.

Cllr. Chris Wells, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “Housing enforcement is going to be a key part of regenerating Margate and the Task Force’s work will be of increasing importance in the coming months. The statistics in this report make stark reading and identify clearly the issues which need immediate attention. One figure about life expectancy in the area being 17 years lower than the best in Kent has already been widely publicised. In today’s society, to still have differences like that is appalling. We need and will do whatever we can do to change them.”

GREEN SPACE SIMPLY GIFTED TO DEVELOPERS

05/08/2010

GREEN SPACE SIMPLY GIFTED TO DEVELOPERS
( AGAINST LOCAL ADVICE )

TDC's Conservative Cabinet have gifted the green space at Dalby Square to developers against the wishes of residents and ward councillors.

On Thursday evening Conservative cabinet members were read a long list of issues by ward councillors regarding the green space in Dalby Square that were completely omitted from the report being discussed.

ISSUES OMITTED FROM THE TDC REPORT ON THURSDAY INCLUDED:

*The current use of the land - it has been used as a community green space since TDC laid it to lawn in 1995.

*Minutes of a previous TDC working party meeting where TDC members had recommended returning the area to green space.

*Minutes of a previous TDC cabinet meeting where TDC members agreed to return the area to green space.

*TDC's KEY COMMITMENT to improving quality use of open spaces, confirmed 3 weeks ago at full council.

*TDC's KEY PROJECT to develop a targeted programme for improving play facilities, confirmed 3 weeks ago at full council.

*Previous agreements with the Dalby Square Project Group who have raised nearly £400,000 to improve the square.

*A decade of negotiations with the Dalby Square Project Group where they had stressed consistently that the green space should be retained.

*Seven years of negotiations with ward councillors where they had stressed consistently that the green space should be retained.

*Details of a recent consultation evening where residents and ward councillors had objected to building on the green space.

Cllr Clive Hart said "What happened at Thursday evenings Conservative Cabinet meeting was simply appalling. We ward councillors produced TDC plans from 2008 that were specifically used by the authority to get the site through the asset disposal process. The plans included a 700 square meter green space, but now the Conservative Cabinet has backtracked and are backing the developer to build on every single blade of grass.

Residents and ward councillors views or concerns were simply whitewashed from the whole process. It's as though none of the excellent work done by the Dalby Square Project Group had ever happened. It was fine for the council leader to show the work done by residents to a government minister recently as an example of TDC partnership working, but when the residents want to protect all their own hard work and the large green space it's another matter. They have been totally ignored. To use the groups own words they feel 'sad and betrayed' by what happened at TDC on Thursday evening.

Residents are asking why the developers drop-in consultation took place on one evening and the following evening TDC declared the square a Conservation Area? And how can the land be 'gifted' to a developer by cabinet AFTER a planning application has been received but before a decision has been made and therefore during the application process? It all sounds very shifty to residents and I have to say I can understand why.

For me though, the final blow came when the Chief Executive explained in great detail how the authority had bent over backwards to accommodate the developer in every possible way. No mention whatsoever of the residents group. Indeed their views and concerns along with ours as ward councillors were totally ignored. This is a clear case of backing buildings over green space and backroom deals over meaningful consultation".

The planning application to build on the green space will be decided at the September Planning Committee.

Notes:

Contributions from ward councillors to Thursday evenings Cabinet Meeting:

AGENDA ITEM 6 - DALBY SQUARE DEVELOPMENT.
Cllr Linda Aldred - Speaking as ward councillor (Cliftonville West).
As ward councillors our issue is not about the development itself - which in priciple we agree is a good one. And I have no personal issue per se about gifting of land to Town and Country Housing.
What concerns us at this stage is that residents wishes have not been considered at all whilst working on and moving forward with this plan. As it says in your community involvement statement "It is important that the community is involved from the early stages".
We have supported the Dalby Square project for seven years in their request to retain the top area of green space for community use so the issue has been aired in various forums and we felt that our negotiations on behalf of the residents were leading to a compromise.
We fully realise the importance of developing the square but we think the Council needs to acknowledge that preserving areas of green space and promoting community cohesion is just as important as bricks and mortar when it comes to regeneration and therefore equal consideration should be given to both.

Cllr. Linda Aldred - Phone: 01843 602490

Cllr Doug Clark - Also speaking as ward councillor (Cliftonville West).

The recomendation is that Town and Country Housing be invited to submit a full planning application for development of the Warren Court Hotel but that has already happened and consultation does not end untill 27th August - is that not putting the cart before the horse?
The second part of this recomendation is that the land (the green at the south end) is gifted to Town and Country. Dose that mean that a very valuable asset id being given away and do we not realise one penny for the land?
5.6 CONSULTATION - The drop in consultation at St Paul's Community Centre on the 14th July - there is no mention in this report of the matters raised by the three elected members of Cliftonville West who were all present.
I spoke to the architect and asked him if he had been friefed by planning of the concerns of the residents about saving the green area at the south end of Dalby Square - his answer was that he had not - why?
The most important person that should have been consulted is the chair of the Dalby Square Project Group - Jenny Cranstone. I'm sure that you are all aware of her work in raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for the garden in Dalby Square - and what a truly wonderful job she and her committee have achieved.
The young people that play on the green are a mix of many different nationalities which is very good for intigration and anti-social behaviour is very rare.
Please do not take away the green from young people and the residents.
The council says it prides itself on its consultations with residents - so please listen to our residents before it is too late.

Cllr. Doug Clark - Phone: 01843 220174

Cllr Clive Hart - Also speaking as ward councillor (Cliftonville West).
At 1.2 in the report it says the council allocated the adjacent ‘council owned’ land for housing purposes.

Please see the minute PS01/21 of the PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND PUBLIC CONVENIENCES WORKING PARTY 18th MARCH 2003 - MINUTE POS/21 DALBY SQUARE PROJECT (below - italics)

'Members were informed that the Development Control Manager had raised concerns regarding the use of the Dalby Square site for public open space as it had been previously allocated for housing provision.
Both the Development Control Manager and the Principal Local Plan Officer had discussed the matter and had agreed there was flexibility within the Local Plan for Members to allocate the land for public open space.

Councillor Hayton informed Members that he did have concerns about reallocation of housing land as Thanet could be left with a shortage in future years.

Moved by Councillor Alan Poole and seconded by Councillor Hayton that:

“(A) Cabinet be recommended to reclassify the Dalby Square site from housing land to public open space;

(B) Cabinet be recommended to instruct officers to enter into a formal partnership agrrement with the Dalby Square Project required by funding sources, dependent upon their receiving funding; and

(C) officers be instructed to obtain written confirmation of the flexibility within the Local Plan to allow the change in allocation”.

MOTION ADOPTED'

And also please see the following minute CR/13 from the TDC CABINET of 29th MAY 2003 - PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND PUBLIC CONVENIENCES WORKING PARTY (below - italics)

'Decision made: That,

1) The minutes of the Parks, Open Spaces And Public Conveniences Working Party meetings held on 29th November 2002 and 18th March 2003 be received and noted

2) The recommendations contained within Minute Numbers POS/15, POS/16, POS/21 and POS/22 be approved'.

There was also an Planning Application commenced by the residents F/ TH/ 03/ 1421 that specifically refers to the site including the former buildings at 17 – 23 Dalby Square.

And there is also in existence a partnership agreement dated 13th August 2003 signed by the Dalby Square residents group chairman and TDC that includes the green space to the south of Dalby Square.

Most importantly plans agreed with residents through the asset disposal process in 2008 clearly show a reduced, but still substantial, green space of over 700 sq mtrs (37mx19m).

AT 2.1 in tonights report:

I strongly agree with first bullet point – the existing Warren Court site certainly does need redeveloping.
However, I strongly disagree with second bullet point – the green space does not need to be built on.

5.4.2 states that a private developer would be highly unlikely to undertake a scheme of this magnitude.

Well we don’t need a site of this magnitude – half the development on just the Warren Court site alone would do very nicely. Indeed, several years ago developers proposed just that, but this authority blocked the application, even at appeal.

5.6.1 points to the drop in consultation on 14th July but conveniently ignores the fact that at that consultation all 3 ward councillors and representatives of the residents group who have done so much to improve the square all FIRMLY OBJECTED to building on the green space.

Three weeks ago the council met in this very chamber to confirm the Corporate Refresh programme that under the banner of Beautiful Thanet expressed a KEY COMMITMENT to improving quality use of open spaces. Under the Healthy Communities banner it also said a KEY PROJECT was to develop a targeted programme for improving play facilities. Lastly, under the banner Modern Council it refered to involving residents in accordance with our duty to involve.

The report for this agenda has several serious omissions:

1) Absolutely no mention whatsoever is made in the report regarding the current use of the green space for public recreation that has been the case for the last fifteen years. TDC laid the whole area to lawn in the mid 90's and has maintained it as a green open space for local residents ever since.

2) Absolutely no mention whatsoever is made in the report of the Dalby Square Project Group and their sterling work to regenerate the square that includes the south green that is proposed to be 'gifted' away against their wishes. Over the last decade the group have raised around £400,000 to create beautiful formal gardens for adults and visitors and a playground at the north end for very young children. The group are clear that the south green is part of their project and that it provides a large grassed area where slightly older children can play ball and let off steam whilst being watched by parents from windows in hundreds of flats surrounding the square. The group now feel cheated by TDC with whom they have signed joint agreements and received planning permission to improve the green space.

3) For over seven years, as ward councillors Linda Aldred, Doug Clark and I have met with TDC housing and regeneration officers on numerous occasions (that must average at least 4 times each year). On every such occasion we have made it absolutely clear that the green space at the south end of the square is an important local amenity in a densely populated area where health and wellbeing are nowhere near the levels they should be.

4) At paragraph 5.6.1 in the report it states that a drop-in consultation was held on 14th July attended by local residents and council officers. Firstly, that drop-in consultation was advertised as an application for the Warren Court site and not the south green in Dalby Square. And as I've said, this paragraph in the report completely fails to say that all three ward councillors were present at the drop-in and much more importantly it fails to say that the Dalby Square Project Group and all three ward councillors raised serious objections to the proposed development at that drop-in consultation.

Last Thursday we met with residents and concerns were also raised as to why the developers drop-in consultation took place on one evening and the following evening TDC declared the square a Conservation Area?

Questions were also asked as to how the land can be 'gifted' to a developer by cabinet after a planning application has been received but before a decision has been made and therefore actually during the application process?

Chairman – in a recent press release on the new garden development rules you said “It is a step that will transform our ability to prevent unwanted development and gives us more power to protect our valuable green spaces”.

Well how about protecting this valuable community green space in Dalby Square?
Cllr. Clive Hart - Phone: 01843 298770

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