Thanet Press Releases

Manston Airport - Open Letter from Bob Bayford, TDC Conservative Group 31 January 2012

2012-02-02T16:18:00.002Z

Leader Clive Hart's latest press release concerning consultation on Infratil's night-time flying policy is simply breathtaking in its distance from the truth.

He claims that I had created 'a monster of a process', clearly ignoring the fact that the approach to consultation was determined by an in-house group of officers together with myself and (Labour) Councillor Mike Harrison, the then chair of the Airport Working Party. A draft process was then taken to that working party, where members made their contribution before final agreement. Hardly my process!

During the formative stages, a number of principles were established, with Cllr Harrison's full agreement. Amongst these were:-

1) That the substantive consultation had to be carried out by an independent, well-respected organisation. This was to remove any suggestion of TDC bias in the results.

2) That any reports produced by the airport in support of their proposals would be subjected to a rigorous 'peer review' to establish their veracity.

3) That the consultation should be 'zoned' to ensure that weighting was afforded to those most affected by night-time flying but that opinion had to be sought from not only the rest of Thanet but also those other residents and businesses in Kent who had an interest in Manston's expansion. To facilitate this wider consultation, KCC were contributing £40,000 towards the cost and Canterbury City Council £5000.

4) That getting the consultation right was more important than rushing to a conclusion.

As far as I am aware, these principles were all endorsed by the working party.

The timing of the consultation was always going to be determined by when the airport submitted its policy proposal and the subsequent submission of noise impact and economic impact reports. The peer review of the latter was published on 23^rd of January, which clears the way for public consultation.

The only money spent by TDC to date is the cost of the peer reviews. In my opinion, whatever the future may hold with regard to Manston, it was vital that any reports produced for the airport should have been subjected to expert, independent scrutiny, to inform the Council's stance on the airport's activities.

I am frankly surprised by the present leader's stance on this issue. On the one hand, he suggests that there is no need for the Council to consult but then proposes a half-baked consultation, guaranteed to produce a biased outcome.

Whether the Council can, at this stage, make any binding decisions on the airport is irrelevant. TDC has a civic leadership responsibility to have a view on the airport's expansion and operational ambitions. It is a topic that elicits strong opinions on both sides of the argument. The eventual fate of the airport will have economic and environmental consequences for many. TDC must give a lead, having considered the public's views and Infratil's proposals.

Bob Bayford

Leader, TDC Conservative Group

STATEMENT FROM OCCUPY THANET

2012-01-31T16:58:00.003Z

Occupy Thanet was started in response to the many Occupy protests emerging across the world. It is people coming together to ensure that our voices are heard.
We are lucky enough to live in a beautiful part of the world and the vast majority of our members support everything that the Turner Contemporary is doing for the regeneration of Margate. However we are also ashamed that the High Street and seafront have been allowed to deteriorate to their current states. We believe the local Council and developers are responsible due to either moral corruption or incompetence.

We are aware and fully understand that during a recession, cutbacks do have to be made. However, this is not a recession, this is a robbery where capitalism has operated without constraint or conscience.

Occupy is about a new way of doing things, which we believe is a good outlook to have when the current system is letting us down so badly.

We brought forward our planned Occupation in direct response to the illegal eviction of the Bank of Ideas in London. You can evict the building but NOT the idea.

We should also like to thank everyone in our local community who has come down to show their support.

THANET MILE RETURNS FOR SPORT RELIEF

2012-01-31T15:24:00.002Z

The Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile is returning to Thanet and local people can sign up now to take part and raise money for a worthy cause.

The first Thanet Mile was held in 2010, with more than 100 runners taking part, and now the council’s Sport Matters team, who are hosting the event for the second time, are hoping even more people will dust off their trainers and enter for this year’s event.

You can enter by visiting www.sportrelief.com and putting in your town or postcode, which will bring up details of the Thanet Mile. The event starts at 9.30 am on Sunday 25 March at the Marlowe Academy and you can choose to run either one mile, three or six miles, with each race starting at 10.30 am. Each race will start on the community athletics track at the Marlowe, but the race will include both track and field elements. Entry fees, which help cover the cost of staging the event, are £6 for an adult, £3 for a child and £15 for a family.

Cllr. Iris Johnston, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “Sport Relief has got a superb record of raising millions for those facing tough lives both here in the UK and in some of the world’s poorest countries. You don’t have to be sporty to take part, with distances starting at just one mile and it’s not a race against the clock either. Maybe it was your New Year’s resolution to get fit for 2012, in which case this gives you a target to aim for. In this year of amazing sports action right on our doorstep, we want to see as many local people as possible taking part in the Thanet Mile.”

The Sport Relief Weekend kicks off on Friday 23 March when everyone gets active, has fun and raises cash at home, at work or at school; before settling down to watch a night of top Sport Relief TV on BBC One. There will be even more BBC radio, online and TV coverage throughout the weekend. At the end of the weekend, the whole nation will come together to take part in the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile on Sunday 25 March.

To enter the Thanet Mile 2012 visit www.sportrelief.com and for more information, contact Colin Rouse on 01843 577032.

VANDALS SET FIRE TO MARGATE PUBLIC TOILETS

2012-01-31T14:00:00.002Z

Vandals have set fire to public toilets in Margate, taking them out of action for at least a week.

A fire was started on Wednesday evening (25 January) in the men’s toilets at Cecil Square, with one cubicle badly damaged by fire and the toilets badly affected by smoke fumes. It’s thought that the vandals started the fire by setting light to the toilet roll dispenser.

Until the damage can be repaired, the ladies’ toilets are currently acting as a unisex toilet. It’s expected that the men’s toilets will not re-open until, at the earliest, later this week (early February).

Cllr. Alan Poole, Cabinet Member for Commercial Services, said: “It’s very disappointing to see another one of the council’s toilets damaged by vandalism. This year has been an exceptionally bad one for incidents like this, with a number of public toilets across Thanet that have been attacked. Our already thin resources are being stretched even further by mindless vandalism to our public toilets that are there for everyone to use. This has to stop and we would ask people to report anyone causing criminal damage to Kent Police on 01622 690690. Vandalism and repairs should also be reported to the council on 01843 577000.”

SPORTS 4 NRG OFFERS FREE SPORTS QUALIFICATIONS

2012-01-31T13:59:00.002Z

Sports 4 NRG offers free sports qualifications

Free sports related qualifications are on offer for young people in Thanet, who are not in education, employment or training.

The Worx Project is running its latest course, which offers young people the chance to gain a Level 2 Award in Community Sports Leadership over one week. Led by Thanet District Councils Sport 4 NRG, the course includes 36 hours of active learning, with practical sports sessions, sessions at local sports clubs and in the classroom.

Students will also be expected to complete 10 hours of volunteering at places such as Sport 4NRG, after school clubs, leisure centres and swimming pools. These will all be arranged by the Worx Project and once they complete the course, Sport 4NRG will also find further training or will help with getting a college place or sports related employment.

Starting on Monday 13 until Friday 17 February from 10.00am to 4.30pm at Concorde Youth Centre, Ramsgate for young people aged between 16 and 24 years old.

Funded by Thanet Works, the Worx Project led by Thanet District Council and Pipeline, aims to help people get off benefits and into training and/or work.

This will be Sport 4 NRGs tenth cohort of the Sports Leadership Award. Since starting in 2009, more than 200 young people have completed the courses and over 40% have moved into work placements (volunteering), further education (college courses and further sports training qualifications) and employment.

James Gregory, Sport 4NRG Officer, said: We are really pleased with the impact that Sport 4 NRG has had with The Worx Project. With more than 200 young people now more qualified and work ready than before, we have definitely helped to make a positive impact in the community.

The majority of the candidates are now enrolled in further training either in full-time education or a sports specific short course. They have taken the opportunity that Sport 4 NRG has given them and with our guidance and support, they are able to continue their journey into employment.

For an application form for the course, either e-mail James at james.gregory@thanet.gov.ukor text your details to 07770 828 582.

RESPONSE TO LAURA SANDYS MP From Cllr Clive Hart

2012-01-30T18:18:00.000Z

THANET LABOUR DECISION IS REASONABLE, PROPORTIONATE & APPROPRIATE

From Cllr Clive Hart.

Let me be absolutely clear.

My decision to change the public consultation on night flights proposals at Manston follows legal advice given to the council which explains that at this stage, the proposals DO NOT require a planning application. Just as importantly, the advice goes on to state that the councils role is one of CONSULTEE ONLY and as such the council will not be in a position to make a binding decision on night time flying at this stage.

My Conservative predecessor Cllr Bob Bayford had already spent several months and tens of thousands of pounds on this process before Labour took control of the council. His plans would have seen the council spend around a further £50,000 of public money on consultants to run the consultation process his way. Cllr Bayford may have been content to use ratepayers hard earned cash in this way and apparently Laura Sandys would like us do the same, but Labour will do precisely what is reasonable, proportionate and appropriate.

As for Laura Sandys' accusation that I am in some way 'watering down' the process, nothing could be further from the truth. The new TDC consultation process approach will now be focused here in Thanet with a strong weighting for the opinions of those directly affected by the proposals. I firmly believe this to be reasonable, proportionate and appropriate.

It is clear my Conservative predecessor was struggling with this issue. He had created a monster of a process that had got completely out of control. It would have left the council in the ridiculous position of spending enormous amounts of time and effort and a small fortune of public money on a consultation process that was only ever going to be used to form the council's 'opinion'.

Thanet residents, the airport consultative committee and the airports Chief Executive all complained to me about the long drawn out process we had inherited from the previous Conservative administration that was getting us nowhere. I therefore acted swiftly and did exactly what was reasonable, proportionate and appropriate.

Last but not least, I am pleased to see that on the serious issue of the environmental impact of the proposals, Laura Sandys shares exactly the same concerns as Thanet Labour and is firmly against night flights!

Cllr Clive Hart - TDC Leader.

Ed I have put what he is responding to below

Labour Council Backs Down on Independent Consultation on Night Flights

Following Clive Hart’s, Leader of Thanet District Council, announcement to change the whole consultation process surrounding night flights at Manston, Laura Sandys MP said: “The statement from Councillor Hart both waters down the public consultation on the night flight policy and also throws doubt on whether this very important policy will ever come in front of the planning committee. Both of these issues are fundamental to ensuring that the public voice is appropriately heard and that local democracy is upheld.

“The Council is watering down the consultation process that the Conservative administration put in place. The then Leader, Cllr Bob Bayford, was extremely keen to use an independent and reputablemarket research company to assess the public response to increased night flights whilst this council leader is happy to do a cheap internal job. In addition, the previous consultation was planned for 12 weeks while the new council is only giving 4 weeks for residents to have their say. FollowingLabour’s “Floral Budget”, there is either not enough money for the planned professional assessment of public opinion or no political will to listen to what the public want.

“There is also confusion at the heart of the Labour administration whether this night flight policy constitutes an intensification of use or not. Those residents who live under the flight path are convinced that this needs proper scrutiny as it will be an intensification of use. The public will be extremely surprised that there is an equivocation by the Council on whether this is a planning issue or merely a proposal.

“Labour councillors are breaking their election promise. Many Ramsgate residents supported Labour candidates because of their opposition to night flights. I have been consistently against Night Flights at Manston and recognise the impact they could have on the town.

“It is time for the council to be clear with the residents of Thanet. Does this mean that night flying can proceed without scruntiy from the Planning Committee? If this is the case it represents yet another loop hole in the original 106 agreement that Labour signed when it was last running the Council.”

LAURA SANDYS MP

OCCUPY THANET SETS UP CAMP IN MARGATE

2012-01-30T11:09:00.000Z

The Occupy movement has come to Thanet with a spectacular occupation outside Kent's most famous new art gallery.

Members of the newly formed protest group set up camp outside the Turner Contemporary Gallery on Friday January 27th with tents and banners.

Their aim, they say, is to draw attention to injustice on a national and local level. One member stated: “Occupy Thanet was set up in response to the many Occupy movements that are taking place across the world.

“We are told that we are in a recession and we have to pay with cutbacks and sacrifices. But this is not a recession – this is a robbery. The banks have stolen billions of pounds which we are expected to repay.

“This Occupation is a chance for people in Thanet to make their voices heard and to make a stand against the cuts and injustices both globally and locally.”

Initially, Turner staff tried to stop the occupation and the police were called, but the police confirmed the protestors were breaking no law by taking up their position outside Margate’s high profile art gallery.

Retired health worker Filiz McNamara said “I’m very concerned about the ongoing cuts to the health service which will make the inequalities in Thanet much worse. I completely support the aims of the Occupy movement who are calling attention to the terrible injustices in our society.”

Visitors to the camp have included the mayor of Margate, Iris Johnson, and local Tory MP Roger Gale.

Jon Snow, the Channel Four news presenter attending the Turner for the opening of a new exhibition, also visited the occupation and talked to the protestors.

Local traders have given Occupy members food and many passersby have expressed their support.

For more information, visit the Occupy Thanet site just outside the Turner Contemporary art gallery on Margate sea front.

New planning applications,

2012-01-30T11:06:00.000Z

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

Date Published*	Application No.	Address	Status
30 Jan 2012	F/TH/12/0031	3 GARRARD AVENUE MARGATE CT95PY	current
27 Jan 2012	F/TH/12/0061	land adjacent the promenade, all saints avenue margate	current
27 Jan 2012	F/TH/12/0041	23a ALBION STREET BROADSTAIRS CT101LU	current
27 Jan 2012	F/TH/12/0039	land adjacent the promenade, all saints avenue, margate	current
27 Jan 2012	F/TH/12/0023	GARAGE BLOCK REAR OF 39-49 LUTON AVENUE BROADSTAIRS	current
26 Jan 2012	F/TH/11/0952	63 ETHELBERT ROAD MARGATE CT91SD	current
26 Jan 2012	F/TH/12/0050	RAMSGATE TROPHIES 111 KING STREET RAMSGATE CT118PH	current
26 Jan 2012	A/TH/11/1060	UPTON COUNTY PRIMARY SCHOOL, EDGE END ROAD, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 2AH	current
26 Jan 2012	F/TH/11/0866	10 KINGS MEWS, MARGATE, CT91AE	current
26 Jan 2012	F/TH/11/1014	40 GRANVILLE HOUSE, VICTORIA PARADE, RAMSGATE, CT11 8DF	current
26 Jan 2012	F/TH/11/1054	110 TOTHILL STREET, MINSTER, RAMSGATE, CT12 4AP	current
26 Jan 2012	L/TH/11/1015	40 GRANVILLE HOUSE, VICTORIA PARADE, RAMSGATE, CT11 8DF	current
26 Jan 2012	L/TH/12/0038	MINSTER ABBEY, BEDLAM COURT LANE, MINSTER, RAMS GATE, CT124HF	current
26 Jan 2012	L/TH/12/0055	72 HIGH STREET, RAMSGATE, CT11 9RS	current
25 Jan 2012	A/TH/12/0040	ARGOS LTD 58 HIGH STREET RAMSGATE CT119AG	current
23 Jan 2012	F/TH/12/0034	18 NORTH FORELAND ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT103NN	current
23 Jan 2012	F/TH/11/0976	72 HIGH STREET RAMSGATE CT119RS	current
23 Jan 2012	F/TH/11/1079	RAYMOND WIREWORKS HOO FARM UNIT 7 147 MONKTON ROAD MINSTER RAMSGATE CT124JB	current
23 Jan 2012	F/TH/11/1080	4 AMHERST CLOSE MARGATE CT93QZ	current
23 Jan 2012	F/TH/11/1085	19 THE VALE BROADSTAIRS CT101RB	current
23 Jan 2012	F/TH/12/0002	19 RAMSGATE ROAD MARGATE CT95RT	current
23 Jan 2012	F/TH/12/0009	79 PARK LANE BIRCHINGTON CT70AU	current
23 Jan 2012	F/TH/12/0026	INVICTA HOUSE FLAT 1 MILLMEAD ROAD MARGATE CT93RN	current
23 Jan 2012	F/TH/12/0027	6 PARK AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT102EY	current
23 Jan 2012	F/TH/12/0035	EGERTON MANOR THE STREET ACOL BIRCHINGTON CT70JA	current
23 Jan 2012	F/TH/12/0037	145 MONKTON ROAD MINSTER RAMSGATE CT124JB	current
19 Jan 2012	F/TH/11/0214	COSMOS DREAMLAND LEISURE COMPLEX MARINE TERRACE MARGATE CT91XJ	current
19 Jan 2012	F/TH/11/0929	SOMALI FARM PARK ROAD BIRCHINGTON CT70HA	decided
19 Jan 2012	F/TH/11/1077	10 CARLTON ROAD EAST WESTGATE-ON-SEA CT88PF	current
19 Jan 2012	F/TH/12/0001	CORNER OF CANTERBURY ROAD, MINSTER ROAD, WESTGATE ON SEA, CT8 8BP	current
19 Jan 2012	F/TH/12/0018	37 ST. PETERS COURT BROADSTAIRS CT102UU	current
19 Jan 2012	F/TH/12/0028	312 RAMSGATE ROAD MARGATE CT94DU	current
19 Jan 2012	NM/TH/11/1058	12 SOUTHWOOD GARDENS RAMSGATE CT110BQ	decided
19 Jan 2012	F/TH/11/1086	62-64 KING STREET, RAMSGATE, KENT, CT11 8NY	current

* This date is when Thanet District Council first published this case file.

New documents published by Thanet District Council,

2012-01-30T11:02:00.002Z

31/01/2012 - Meeting scheduled: Jan 31 2012 5:00PM, SMT - Urgent Items
27/01/2012 - Agenda published: Meeting of Jan 31 2012 5:00PM, SMT - Urgent Items
27/01/2012 - Minutes published: Meeting of Jan 19 2012 7:00PM, Council
26/01/2012 - Meeting held: Jan 26 2012 2:00PM, Ramsgate Port and Marina Cabinet Advisory Group
25/01/2012 - Issue Published: Public Consultation - Night Time Flying Policy Proposal for Manston Airport
25/01/2012 - Agenda supplement published - Supplementary Agenda : Supplementary Agenda: Meeting of Feb 2 2012 7:00PM, Cabinet
25/01/2012 - Meeting held: Jan 25 2012 9:30AM, East Kent Joint Scrutiny Committee
25/01/2012 - Decision Published: Public Consultation - Night Time Flying Policy Proposal for Manston Airport; Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Corporate Regulatory and Strategic Economic Development Services
24/01/2012 - Minutes published: Meeting of Jan 19 2012 10:00AM, Licensing Sub Committee
24/01/2012 - Minutes published: Meeting of Jan 19 2012 9:00AM, Licensing Sub Committee
23/01/2012 - Agenda published: Meeting of Feb 2 2012 7:00PM, Cabinet
19/01/2012 - Meeting held: Jan 19 2012 7:00PM, Council
19/01/2012 - Meeting held: Jan 19 2012 10:00AM, Licensing Sub Committee
19/01/2012 - Meeting held: Jan 19 2012 9:00AM, Licensing Sub Committee
19/01/2012 - Agenda published: Meeting of Jan 26 2012 2:00PM, Ramsgate Port and Marina Cabinet Advisory Group

TV Clips on Pfizer and Food

2012-01-28T16:46:00.000Z

TV Clips on Pfizer and Food!

Just click to Watch

Watch new developments regarding the Pfizer site – good news

http://www.itv.com/meridian-east/pfixer-site-sale71581/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01b4h6b/South_East_Today_27_01_2012/

Also Laura on Ugly Foods in Parliament

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01bdb00/The_Record_23_01_2012/ go to 17.30 mins for the clip

CLEANSWEEP RESULTS IN CLIFTONVILLE AND MARGATE

2012-01-27T16:50:00.002Z

Homes with damp, blocked fire escapes, and even a motorbike in the kitchen of a food premise are some of the issues uncovered in the latest Operation Cleansweep in Cliftonville and Margate.

The council run operation visited over 150 properties in the two areas, staffed by officers from the council’s Enforcement Services and Planning teams, as well as Kent Police, Kent Fire and Rescue Service, Pipeline Youth volunteers, Community Payback, and wardens from Kent County Council.

Six properties were identified by the team that had poor housing conditions. One property had had lead stolen from the roof, meaning that rainwater was then pouring into people’s rooms. Buckets were found to try and gather up the water when it rains. Other issues discovered included damp, inadequate heating and broken front doors, meaning that anyone could get into the property. Further investigations are now underway by the council's private sector housing team to ensure that these conditions are improved.

Three suspected unauthorised houses in multiple occupation were discovered in Cliftonville. Enforcement action against both properties will now be started by the council as a result of the visit. Three properties were also found that had inadequate fire access. In the worst case, the residents couldn’t get out of their front door in the event of a fire, as there was no interior handle on it. Instead, they had to go back upstairs and press a button to get out.

One food premise was also found to have problems with its fire escape, as there was a delivery motorbike housed in a walk-in cupboard in the premises’ kitchen. This was blocking part of the fire escape. A follow-up inspection will now be carried out to ensure that this has been removed. A potentially unsafe structure was also found, with a dangerous chimney stack. The details have been passed on to the council’s building control team to investigate further.

Notices were handed out to the freeholders of seven properties, who had black bags and household rubbish, such as sofas and mattresses, in their garden. If they fail to act and remove the rubbish, they face the prospect of legal action. Two side alleyways were cleared of rubbish, with investigations continuing to try and find out who dumped them there. Three people were served with warning notices about dumping rubbish and, if they do it again, they will face an immediate fine.

Volunteers from Pipeline cleared five alleyways of rubbish, while Community Payback teams litter picked the whole of the seafront along Cliftonville.

Cllr. Clive Hart, Cabinet Member for Corporate and Regulatory Services, said: “It’s always encouraging to hear the excellent results that each Cleansweep gets. I know Margate and Cliftonville and the issues they face only too well and these operations help to tackle some of the bigger problems that exist there. The key one has to be trying to improve the living conditions in some of the homes in this area. Stories of damp, water coming through the ceilings of properties and broken front doors are something that shouldn’t exist in today’s society, but sadly they do. Anything our officers can do to help tackle these problems that blight people’s lives through Operation Cleansweep and their everyday work is extremely welcome.”

For more information or to report any concerns, please call 01843 577065.

Thanet District Council Webcast 19th January Council Meeting

2012-01-27T14:11:00.002Z

Here is the link, it won’t embed or enlarge http://www.thanet.gov.uk/council_meeting_webcast-1.aspx

OCCUPY THANET TO HOLD EVENT IN MARGATE THIS FRIDAY

2012-01-26T13:18:00.001Z

The newly formed Occupy Thanet group is planning an “event” outside the Turner Contemporary Gallery in Margate tomorrow Friday 27/01/2012 at 12.30 pm.

The Occupy movement has created headlines across the world, with high profile occupations in London near St Paul’s Cathedral, and New York.

This will be the first event held by the Occupy Thanet group.

For more information ring Cris on 07909 552971 or Paul on 07873 176136

NEW APPROACH TO AIRPORT CONSULTATION

2012-01-25T12:36:00.000Z

A new approach is to be taken by the council in response to
Infratil’s proposal for regular night-time flying at Manston
Airport.

Leader of Thanet District Council, Cllr Clive Hart, has signed a
decision notice, which states the council’s intention to carry out a
focused consultation in-house for a period of 28 days for Thanet
residents and in particular for those directly affected by the
Airport’s proposals.

The decision follows clarification that the proposal submitted by
Infratil is for consultation only and the proposal does not require a
planning application at this stage. The council’s role is therefore
as a ‘consultee’ and it is not in a position to make a binding
decision in respect of the night-time flying policy.

The council is seeking advice as to whether the proposed night flying
policy, if implemented, could result in an intensification or change in
operation at the airport. This could then require a planning application
at some point in the future. However at this time, the council is only
being asked to provide a consultation response to the proposals and is
seeking the views of local people to inform its response. People can
also submit responses direct to the Airport, via its consultation page
(www.manstonairport.com/about-the-airport/planning/night-flight-policy).

The decision also comes after review of the findings of an independent
assessment carried out by Parsons Brinckerhoff Ltd. on behalf of the
council, which challenges a number of the environmental and economic
claims of the airport.

Cllr Clive Hart, said: “Taking a new approach to our consultation is
absolutely essential given this advice. We’re committed to listening
to our residents, and will still provide the opportunity for people to
comment on the proposals before we draft our response from the council,
as well as people being able to provide their views directly to the
Airport. We’ve promised that we will seek residents’ views, and
we’re standing by this commitment, but on a more appropriate scale.
This issue needs to be drawn to a conclusion for the sake of the
community, the council and the airport.”

The public consultation is proposed to launch on Friday 3 February for
a period of 28 days and will be open to all residents in Thanet.
Responses to the proposals must be submitted in writing to Consultation,
Thanet District Council, PO Box 9, Margate CT9 1XZ or by e-mail to
consultation@thanet.gov.uk Full names and addresses must be provided
with each response.

To view the proposals, and for more information about the public
consultation, please visit www.thanet.gov.uk where information will be
available to view from Thursday 26 January.

DEALING WITH NIGHT FLIGHT PROPOSALS & HALTING THE CREATION OF A MONSTER

2012-01-25T12:31:00.003Z

Since Labour took control of Thanet Council in December it has become clear that the airport, its consultative committee, and many local residents are extremely concerned regarding the long drawn out time the council has been taking over Infratil's night time flying proposals.

The former Conservative administration had commissioned an expensive independent consultants report and at further serious cost legal opinions were sought. Large amounts of council officers valuable time had been used up on the process and yet another expensive company had been engaged to carry out the consultation, but little or no real progress was visible.

Indeed, many people were rightly angry at the lack of action, mainly because at a public meeting earlier in 2011 the former Conservative council leader had suggested the consultation might even start before Christmas. This when he must have known that through the process he was following, it could not have started before late February (after the TDC Overview and Scrutiny Committee). Even then, under Conservative plans, it would have had to run for several more months before council officers could even started to produce the findings and present them to councillors for further discussion.

Swift action is needed to take back control of a process that has clearly spiraled out of control under the previous Conservative administration.

Labour council leader Cllr Clive Hart will therefore today sign a TDC decision notice which outlines the intention to carry out an in-house 28 day consultation of Thanet residents that will be weighted strongly for those directly affected.

The decision follows legal advice which explains that at this stage, the proposals do not require a planning application. Just as importantly, the advice goes on to state that the council’s role is one of ‘consultee’ only and as such the council will not be in a position to make a binding decision on night time flying at this stage.

Labour council leader Cllr Clive Hart said: "it is clear our Conservative predecessors were struggling with this issue. They had created a monster of a process that had got completely out of control. It would have left the council in the ridiculous position of spending a small fortune of council tax payers money on a consultation process that was only ever going to be used to form the council's 'opinion'. The council has been advised that if there is an intensification or change in operation at the airport in the future then this position may change, and a planning application may be required, but at the moment the council is simply being asked to provide a response to the proposals.

My Conservative predecessor had already spent tens of thousands of pounds on this process before we took control of the council. His plans would have seen us spend around a further £50,000 on consultants to run the process his way. He may be content to use council taxpayers hard earned cash but I am not!

Labour will do precisely what is reasonable, proportionate and appropriate under the circumstances".

The decision comes after the findings of an independent assessment commissioned by the former Conservative administration and carried out by Parsons Brinckerhoff Ltd. on behalf of TDC, call into question a number of the environmental and economic claims of the airport in their submission to the council.

Notes. From the Thanet Labour Manifesto 2011:

'Labour will support the development of Manston Airport but will always be mindful of the impact on residents and the environment'.

'Labour will seek a policy of no flights during the hours of 23:00 to 07:00, except for emergency landings and humanitarian flights'.

Published by Thanet Labour Group Press Office, 44 Northdown Road, Margate, Kent, CT9 2RW.

Adventures in Comics 2

2012-01-24T10:20:00.002Z

Adventures in Comics 2

3–26 February 2012

Marine Studios, Margate, Kent CT9 1UJ

Join us for the launch on:

Friday 3rd February 2012, from 6–9pm

Guest speaker: Paul Gravett

This February Marine Studios will bring you an exhibition dedicated to contemporary comics. We will showcase work from some of the most interesting comics artists, writers and makers working today – celebrating comics, graphic novels and sequential narrative. A key part of the exhibition will feature entries to our 2-page-comic challenge responding to the theme ‘LIFE BOAT’.

In February 2011 Marine Studios launched the first Adventures in Comics which featured work from the London Print Studio’s exhibition ‘That’s Novel, Lifting Comics from the Page’ (part of the COMICA festival), as well as original work from a range of artists and makers including Catherine Anyango, Robert Poulter, Karrie Fransman and many others. We were able to combine local, national and international talent, providing a space where new and emerging artists could show work alongside industry professionals.

This year we return as an annual event. After being awarded Arts Council funding following the success of last year’s programme, in 2012 we have the opportunity to offer a number of one-day practical Inspiration / Perspiration workshops. With topics including: ‘Make a Comic in a Day Masterclass’, ‘Sequential Narrative’ and ‘Making it in Manga’, the workshops will provide hands-on experience for every level, whether new-comer or professional.

These workshops are idealy suited to students of graphics, illustration and creative writing. Each session is led by an experienced artist / writer / creator, promising to be a whole lot of fun. We have limited spaces available for each session but we hope that students, comics makers and enthusiasts will take advantage of this opportunity to gain real knowledge and practical experience. For session dates and times please visit www.adventuresincomics.org

Comics are a hugely popular tool for promoting visual narratives and we hope to continue encouraging the local and wider community to engage with stories and ideas from all directions. If you’d like to find out more please do not hesitate to contact us.

Kam Rehal

Graphic Designer, Marine Studios

01843 282 210 kam@hkd.uk.com

Nicolas Schram

Agata Duda

Jan Wheatley

Keith Page

Update on night-time flying: Independent assessment

2012-01-23T17:59:00.002Z

Unfortunately we have not been able to provide a copy of the independent 
assessment report on the council's website today as we had hoped due to a 
technical problem with our external e-mails.

We will be dealing with this as a matter of urgency to ensure that the report 
can be published as soon as possible tomorrow.  I will e-mail a link direct to 
the report as soon as this is available.

Please accept our apologies.

Conservative Group leader Cllr Bob Bayford calls upon TDC’s Labour administration to clarify its policy on Manston Airport

2012-01-23T12:06:00.000Z

Today, Cllr Bob Bayford, leader of TDC’s Conservative Group, called upon Cllr Clive Hart to clarify his administration’s policy on Manston Airport and its request for night flights.

Cllr Bayford said: “Last May, many Labour councillors campaigned on a ‘no night flights’ platform and, in December, Cllr Mike Harrison even cast doubt on the need for a consultation on the proposal, heading his blog on the subject ‘RIP Manston Airport’. I think we can reasonably assume that Labour do not want the airport to succeed.

“The Council’s independent report into the night flights proposal is in and it is high time that Cllr Hart let the people of Thanet know what his administration is going to do about it. The future of the airport and its prospects for providing much needed employment in Thanet depends on it.”

TDC Labour administration and Independent Group reject Conservative call to use budget funds to help vulnerable groups in Thanet

2012-01-23T12:05:00.000Z

At last Thursday’s meeting of the Council, Cllr Martin Wise, Shadow Member for Finance, proposed two amendments to the Labour budget.

The first proposed reinstating the Conservative budget, prior to Labour’s changes which reduced the safety net put aside for future contingencies in favour of spending funds on flowers and events and a reduction in fees and charges.

This was rejected by Labour and the Independent Group (though supported by newly independent Cllr Ian Driver).

Cllr Wise then proposed a second amendment as follows:

“This Council agrees that the £185k New Homes Bonus expenditure proposed in tonight’s budget would be better directed at providing services for vulnerable groups, unemployed young people or for community safety, rather than subsidising a reduction in fees and charges for motorists, and requests Cabinet explore where these opportunities can be best directed”.

This was also rejected by Labour and the Independent Group.

Cllr Wise commented: “We believe that the budget we presented in December was prudent and equitable and we consider the changes made by the Labour administration to be unwise in the current uncertain economic circumstances. However, if the Council accepted additional spending, we felt that it should be directed towards helping vulnerable groups, the unemployed and community safety. I am disappointed that the Labour and Independent Groups did not feel the same.”

The full text of Cllr Wise’s address to Council follows below. I

Martin Wise’s address to Council in full:

To make the 2012/13 budget balance the Conservative Group at TDC worked with managers to find the £1.5m savings needed. This is a HUGE amount of money in the context of the total budget of the Council, and we achieved it without having to increase Council Tax.

As in any budget, it is necessary to make savings that are likely to be unpopular with some residents, and among these this year we proposed to reduce the events budget by £29k and the floral grants budget, to save £20k.

Our rationale was, for events in Margate, we believe that now the Turner has arrived the Council is justified in reducing the events grant to the Town Partnership, who have indicated that they would hold dinners, etc. to close the gap in funding lost. We also believe that the Town Council in Ramsgate should receive a reduced grant as it is now able to raise its own funds, and should define its own priorities for events in the future.

For the floral grants, we believe that in this time of austerity local groups should be encouraged to do what they can to provide the funding where they believe flowers make a useful contribution to the community. Former Labour member Cllr.Driver has supported this reduction.

In summary, we believe that both of the above reductions are reasonable in the current economic circumstances, where those who can support themselves should be encouraged to do so.

In addition to the above we proposed increases to some fees and charges, including those for parking, which have not changed since 2007. Some of the increases were between 8 and 15%, but on the principle of the “polluter pays”, we believe that the individual increases would not be so significant as to cause real hardship to any car owner in the context of current motoring costs.

LABOUR CHANGES TO THE BUDGET

With regard to fees and charges, Labour have reduced the increase in parking and other charges creating a £137k hole in the budget. This is added to the £49k reversal of the events and floral grant proposals.

They propose to use the entire events budget to cover the gap, and to use the New Homes Bonus to fund events in 2012 and later years. However, the budget papers state that “…. it is expected that future allocations of Formula Grant may be top-sliced to fund the reward of the New homes Bonus and it is therefore possible that this funding may be needed in future years to offset this reduction. If there is insufficient New Homes Bonus funding to meet the cost of events and floral grants in future years, then these budgets will be removed”.

The Labour proposals therefore put in jeopardy the whole of events funding for future years.

The Conservative decision not to spend the New Homes Bonus as the Labour group have done, and to rather set it aside as a safety net which could be used to cover liabilites emanating from the EKO project, Dreamland or other potential losses, was on the advice of officers and was, in our opinion, sound.

It seems to me that the budget presented tonight does not take account of all the pitfalls which may yet cause difficulties for the finance of the Council, loses an opportunity to sensibly reduce spending in these difficult times, and offers only token gestures in way of parking and other fee reduction that will not benefit anybody to any significant degree. In fact those who have studied the proposals emanating from the parking review, cannot but agree that whatever the outcome of the review it is going to cause a great deal of anger in different quarters. And frankly, why should a benefit be given to car drivers and shopkeepers over others whose claim for a subsidy are far greater?

I therefore propose an amendment Mr.Chairman, which reads:

“This Council agrees that the budget proposed in the 12^th December papers to Cabinet meets the needs for prudence in the prevailing difficult economic circumstances and should replace the proposals contained in the budget presented to the meeting tonight”.

Second proposed amendment:

New planning applications,

2012-01-23T10:28:00.000Z

Date Published*	Application No.	Address	Status
19 Jan 2012	F/TH/11/0214	COSMOS DREAMLAND LEISURE COMPLEX MARINE TERRACE MARGATE CT91XJ	current
19 Jan 2012	F/TH/11/0929	SOMALI FARM PARK ROAD BIRCHINGTON CT70HA	decided
19 Jan 2012	F/TH/11/1077	10 CARLTON ROAD EAST WESTGATE-ON-SEA CT88PF	current
19 Jan 2012	F/TH/12/0001	CORNER OF CANTERBURY ROAD, MINSTER ROAD, WESTGATE ON SEA, CT8 8BP	current
19 Jan 2012	F/TH/12/0018	37 ST. PETERS COURT BROADSTAIRS CT102UU	current
19 Jan 2012	F/TH/12/0028	312 RAMSGATE ROAD MARGATE CT94DU	current
19 Jan 2012	NM/TH/11/1058	12 SOUTHWOOD GARDENS RAMSGATE CT110BQ	decided
19 Jan 2012	F/TH/11/1086	62-64 KING STREET, RAMSGATE, KENT, CT11 8NY	current
17 Jan 2012	F/TH/11/1037	P & B METALS HARTSDOWN ROAD MARGATE CT95BB	current
17 Jan 2012	F/TH/12/0003	TELEPHONE EXCHANGE, 10 SAXON ROAD, WESTGATE ON SEA, CT8 8RS	current
17 Jan 2012	F/TH/12/0021	11 ESKDALE AVENUE RAMSGATE CT110PD	current
16 Jan 2012	F/TH/12/0019	BLUE ANCHOR 31 HARBOUR STREET BROADSTAIRS CT101EU	current
16 Jan 2012	F/TH/11/1043	NUMBER 16 MARINE DRIVE AND 42 HIGH STREET, MARGATE, CT9 1DS	current
12 Jan 2012	F/TH/11/1044	8 QUEEN STREET RAMSGATE CT119DR	current
12 Jan 2012	F/TH/11/1072	ST. MILDREDS CHURCH 7 ST. MILDREDS ROAD MINSTER RAMSGATE CT124DE	current
12 Jan 2012	F/TH/12/0008	3 HATFIELD ROAD MARGATE CT95BL	current
12 Jan 2012	F/TH/12/0014	7 THE PINES BROADSTAIRS CT102NL	current

* This date is when Thanet District Council first published this case file.

New documents published by Thanet District Council,

2012-01-23T10:26:00.002Z

19/01/2012 - Meeting held: Jan 19 2012 7:00PM, Council
19/01/2012 - Meeting held: Jan 19 2012 10:00AM, Licensing Sub Committee
19/01/2012 - Meeting held: Jan 19 2012 9:00AM, Licensing Sub Committee
19/01/2012 - Agenda published: Meeting of Jan 26 2012 2:00PM, Ramsgate Port and Marina Cabinet Advisory Group
18/01/2012 - Meeting held: Jan 18 2012 7:00PM, Planning Committee
18/01/2012 - Agenda published: Meeting of Jan 19 2012 9:00AM, Licensing Sub Committee
18/01/2012 - Agenda supplement published - No. 1 : No. 1: Meeting of Jan 19 2012 7:00PM, Council
17/01/2012 - Publication of plan: Forward Plan for period from 1 February 2012 to 1 August 2012; Cabinet
17/01/2012 - Agenda published: Meeting of Jan 25 2012 9:30AM, East Kent Joint Scrutiny Committee
17/01/2012 - Minutes published: Meeting of Jan 10 2012 11:00AM, Licensing Sub Committee
12/01/2012 - Minutes published: Meeting of Dec 13 2011 7:00PM, Governance and Audit Committee
12/01/2012 - Minutes published: Meeting of Jan 5 2012 7:00PM, Cabinet

Urging Government to Support Speech and Language for our Children

2012-01-23T09:06:00.002Z

Most parents need a bit of a break from looking after their kids and from time to time want some peace just to get space from the constant questioning and chat. This is the normal challenge that parents face – getting some quiet. The problem with a minority of parents is that have very little conversation with their children. Schools complain that they see parents walking their children to school oblivious of the child as they are engrossed in conversation on their mobile phone . Some children are put in front of the TV at a very early age with no adult stimulus, no demand to talk or to converse. This might sound like a perfect form of babysitting but the outcomes are all too evident to our infant and primary schools that have to pick up the pieces.

School heads across Thanet tell me of some really desperate stories of some children not being able to articulate a simple sentence, and not confident to have a basic conversation with an adult. These children need significant support to rectify this level of neglect and the schools are taking on this extra work with dedication and commitment.

This is such a frequent cry from schools that i took up the cudgels in Parliament this week asking the Minister to address this issue with urgency. I am committed to ensure that every school has access to a speech and language expert to help those children who are falling behind, because if we don’t address this when they are little it is much more difficult to solve when they are older.

I was also very pleased that the Minister raised the support that health visitors will provide families. With a significant increase in health visitors working with vulnerable families, they will deploy language and speech therapists long before the children get to school and combine education, health and care into one package.

so while some might like the saying that children should be seen but not heard, we must not take this too far – young children need as much conversation and chat as possible

Update on night-time flying proposal

2012-01-20T17:15:00.002Z

The findings of an independent assessment of the proposals and technical
details for night time flying at Manston Airport have been received by
the council.

The final report was submitted to the council’s Community Services
Manager Madeline Homer on Thursday 19 January and was completed by
specialists, Parsons Brinckerhoff Ltd.

Before starting any public consultation on the proposals, the council
had committed to carry out an independent assessment of the information
it received from airport owners Infratil.  This was so that the council
could review the technical detail supplied by the airport and so that we
could consider the environmental and economic impacts in the proposal.

A full copy of the findings will be available to view from Monday 23
January at www.thanet.gov.uk

Council endorse recommendations for Margate FC

2012-01-20T17:14:00.000Z

A number of recommendations that support Margate Football Club’s
future expansion, but protect public open space, have been endorsed by
Thanet District Council.

At a meeting last night (Thursday 19 January), Members agreed a series
of recommendations in relation to leasing arrangements on public space
at Hartsdown Park and Tivoli Park in Margate, although final approval
will be granted by Cabinet when they meet on Thursday 2 February.

The lease extension proposals from Margate Football Club were
originally discussed at a Cabinet meeting on 5 January, but were
referred on to Full Council to ensure that all members could contribute
to the debate.

The recommendations which were approved by Council are as follows:   

● To support the extension of the current lease for the main ground
from 10 to 24 years;
● Refuse granting a lease for an extended area for a football pitch,
as this is too intrusive in Hartsdown Park;
● Advise the removal of the extended parking area from the proposal
or, at most, grant a small extension to the current car park. This would
require the developers to seek an alteration to the current planning
condition on parking provision. The reason for this is to avoid any
further significant intrusion in Tivoli Park;
● Support the granting of a lease within the current football ground
area for the construction of a hotel in line with the approved planning
application, but try and ensure that the lease is as short as possible,
whilst still making the project work financially. Commercial Services
Manager Mark Seed and Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, Cllr.
Alan Poole, to agree the final length of lease;
● Support the extension of the lease for the current five-a-side
pitches and car park from 15 to 24 years, to coincide in timing with the
main ground lease.

A statutory notice, stating the council’s intentions for the leasing
arrangements will now be placed in the local press.

Cabinet Member for Environmental Services Cllr. Alan Poole, said:
“There’s no question over our support for Margate Football Club. 
We’ve been clear that we want to do all that we can to ensure the club
can succeed in the future, but as we’ve said before this can’t come
at any cost.  We have a duty to protect our valuable public open spaces
and have to be firm with proposals that we feel go too far. I believe
that our recommendations reflect this and I’m pleased that with the
backing of Full Council we can now take this forward and bring it to a
final conclusion.”

THANET DISTRICT COUNCIL BUDGET 2012/13

2012-01-20T09:47:00.000Z

A “safe and sustainable” budget, with no increase to Thanet’s part of the Council Tax, has been agreed by full Council.

The proposals, agreed last night (Thursday 19 January), set out how the council will save another £1.5 million during 2012/13, as it faces a cut in its funding from central government of 16.9%. Much of the savings will come from a staff restructure, which was put in place in April 2011, with further savings from sharing services with neighbouring councils, reductions in interest and insurance costs and other efficiency savings.

Thanet’s part of the Council Tax, which is just under £210 a year for a Band D household, will be frozen for the second year running. In return, the council will receive a one-off £250,000 grant from central government.

Cllr. Rick Everitt, Cabinet Member for Financial Services, said: “Our objective is a safe and sustainable budget that will deliver the policies and aspirations of the council as far as is possible within the current funding settlement. I am pleased that these proposals enable us to present a budget that supports a zero Council Tax increase and I am sure residents will welcome a Council Tax freeze for another year. The government will support this freeze by paying a grant equivalent to a 2.5% increase on the 2011/12 council tax level for one year only.”

The council has seen some growth in its income, with an additional £300,000 coming in from the rental of the South Eastern breakwater at Ramsgate Royal Harbour Marina and land occupancy and pontoon rental at the Port of Ramsgate.

Cllr. Rick Everitt acknowledged the role of the previous Conservative administration and the council’s Independent group in developing this budget, saying: “This is perhaps the most cross-party budget in Thanet’s history. Having taken over the leadership of the council in December 2011, it wouldn’t be right for us to claim this as “our budget”, and with so little room for financial manoeuvre, it is inevitable there is much common ground. A great deal of hard work has been done by officers behind the scenes, as is always the case, and I thank them for that.”

He added: “One thing that we have done, since taking control of the council, is to look carefully at the increases that were proposed to the council’s various fees and charges. We were concerned about how much more people were being asked to pay for cremations and burials and in extra car parking charges. We didn’t feel that increases well above inflation were right in the current economic situation, so we’ve reduced our budget requirement for both back down to an extra 4%.”

Plans to remove a discount for pest control services for those on benefits have also been removed.

In another change to the original budget, the proposed reductions to the events and floral grant budgets have been reversed.

Cllr. Everitt has strongly defended this decision. “We’re aware that this has not had universal support, but our concern has been that one effect of these cuts would simply have been to pass some additional costs on to Thanet’s residents through the precept levied by the isle’s parish and town councils. Events help to support tourism and the local economy. They are more important than ever in a year that includes the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and London 2012. With the Olympic torch coming through Thanet, we’re determined to make sure that Thanet plays its part in this national celebration. As such, cutting TDC’s events budget in such a crucial year makes no sense to us. We want to provide a warm welcome to visitors to Thanet and ensure that we provide the most appealing environment and best possible events for our residents.”

Demolition of Richborough Towers gets go ahead

2012-01-19T15:52:00.000Z

A major landmark on the east Kent coastline is set to disappear, after
Thanet District Council’s Planning Committee gave the go-ahead to
demolish the cooling towers at Richborough. 

The proposals that were considered by the committee last night
(Wednesday 18 January) are to demolish the three cooling towers and
chimney at the redundant Richborough power station, which closed in
1996.

The application is accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment,
which looks at the impact of the demolition on the environment. It
considers issues such as ecology, air quality and dust, noise and
vibration and how the waste from the demolition will be removed from the
site. 

The 97 metre high cooling towers are within Thanet’s boundary, while
the site entrance is in Dover’s boundary. As a result, the planning
application was submitted to both authorities, with Dover focusing on
issues to do with the access. 

The committee approved the demolition work with a number of conditions.
These include having to carry out an assessment of the wildlife on site
and restrictions on when the demolition can take place.   After hearing
from a representative of UK Power Network, who are responsible for
providing electricity to Thanet residents, members also added two extra
conditions which sought to reduce the risk to Thanet’s electricity
supply.

Cllr. Jack Cohen, Chairman of the Planning Committee, said: “The
Richborough cooling towers and chimney are perhaps some of the best
known landmarks on the skyline of this part of Kent. We know from the
comments that the council received that people do care about them and
some of the objections talked about preserving them, describing them as
“iconic”. We understand those feelings and that is an emotive
subject for some, but we have to listen to experts on this subject.
English Heritage made no objection to this application and the power
station isn’t a designated heritage site. Our own officer looked at
this issue in his report to the committee and made the point that the
towers and chimney were a fairly recent addition to the area’s
skyline.”

IMPROVED COMMUNITY FACILITIES FOR WESTWOOD DEVELOPMENT

2012-01-19T15:51:00.000Z

An enlarged community hall will now be built, as part of a development of over 1,000 homes at Westwood.

The council’s Planning Committee last night (Wednesday 18 January) agreed to make changes to the planning obligations in relation to community facilities that the developers of the site will have to provide. They were originally given planning approval in 2008 for 1,020 houses to be built on land between Haine Road and Nash Road, to the northwest of Westwood Cross.

The developers have asked the council to change how the community facilities will be provided through the Section 106 agreement. The original agreement required the developer to make a financial contribution for each property that was built.

No changes have been made to the level of affordable housing, which remains at 25%, or the proposed medical centre.

Under the amended plans, the developer will now have to provide a range of facilities, which includes:

An enlarged community building, including a community hall, adult changing facilities, dedicated adult social services hub and youth and community hub,
Eight houses specifically designed for wheelchair users,
Financial contribution towards youth and community workers, who will work in the youth and community hub on the site,
£100,000 towards improvements to Broadstairs library, and
£30,000 towards adult education classes, which will take place in the community building,

Cllr. Jack Cohen, Chairman of the Planning Committee, said: “These changes mean that, once this development is completed, we will have better community facilities on the site than we would have done otherwise. Everyone is aware that this development was approved some time ago and the council is keen to see work starting on these badly needed affordable and family homes. Now that the changes to the community contributions have been agreed, we hope to see work finally starting on site.”

The outline planning permission also included a new link road and changes to existing road junctions in the area. Detailed planning approval for phase one of the development, which will see 74 homes being built, was given by the council in April 2011.

The Good, Bad and Difficult News for 2012

2012-01-18T10:21:00.002Z

The best news of 2012 has been the knighthood given to Roger Gale. Roger and Suzy Gale have been totally selfless in their dedication to the residents of North Thanet, and he has been relentless in his campaigning in Parliament for Thanet’s needs. We all know that he is very special – and I am just very pleased that the rest of the world knows that too!

But for the majority of us this year is likely to be quite difficult. There is no question that this country has to go into survival mode. Politicians will have to work even harder and take some difficult but responsible decisions both locally and nationally, and we have to be realistic that not every resident’s expectations might always be met.

But in these hard times, I was rather shocked when I heard that there were several jobs available in one of our leading supermarkets in Thanet that they had not been able to fill. “What was wrong?” I asked the manager. “Well there seemed to be great reluctance about working in the evenings or even at weekends. It sounds all like too much hard work.” Over 40 people were interviewed but only a handful recruited.

Another company that is taking on entry level jobs has found it difficult to get recruits because the day starts at 6.30 am. Oh dear!

We cannot continue like this, with a sense of entitlement and a right not to work.

And this is even more unacceptable in Thanet because those that are not working are relying on a large number of very low income workers. These are people who work extremely hard to support their families and never seem to get the credit that they deserve. While we have been able to take 1 million low paid staff out of the tax system, they should not be asked to foot the bill for those who think that working over a weekend or doing some nights is just too hard!

We need to ensure that we get Thanet working – but for some that needs a change in attitude as much as access to new jobs!

New planning applications,

2012-01-16T10:27:00.000Z

Published*	Application No.	Address	Status
12 Jan 2012	F/TH/11/1044	8 QUEEN STREET RAMSGATE CT119DR	current
12 Jan 2012	F/TH/11/1072	ST. MILDREDS CHURCH 7 ST. MILDREDS ROAD MINSTER RAMSGATE CT124DE	current
12 Jan 2012	F/TH/12/0008	3 HATFIELD ROAD MARGATE CT95BL	current
12 Jan 2012	F/TH/12/0014	7 THE PINES BROADSTAIRS CT102NL	current
11 Jan 2012	F/TH/12/0013	FOCUS EMPLOYMENT SERVICES 22 QUEEN STREET RAMSGATE CT119DR	current
11 Jan 2012	F/TH/11/1066	43 KING EDWARD AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT101PH	current
11 Jan 2012	F/TH/11/1078	71-79 EATON ROAD MARGATE CT91XB	current
11 Jan 2012	L/TH/12/0007	13 VALE SQUARE RAMSGATE CT119DF	current
10 Jan 2012	F/TH/11/1070	ELMWOOD FARM HOUSE ELMWOOD AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT103PA	current
10 Jan 2012	F/TH/12/0010	CONSTRUCTION OF SMALL SECTION OF ROAD SOUTH OF EXISTING, NEW HAINE ROAD, RAMSGATE	current
10 Jan 2012	F/TH/12/0006	112 PARK AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT102EZ	current
09 Jan 2012	A/TH/11/1048	PETER NEWMAN 35 HIGH STREET MARGATE CT91DX	current
09 Jan 2012	F/TH/11/0963	COURT STAIRS COUNTRY CLUB PEGWELL ROAD RAMSGATE CT110JE	current
09 Jan 2012	F/TH/11/0997	27 LIVERPOOL LAWN RAMSGATE CT119HJ	current
09 Jan 2012	F/TH/11/1071	ST. MILDREDS CHURCH 7 ST. MILDREDS ROAD MINSTER RAMSGATE CT124DE	current
09 Jan 2012	F/TH/11/1073	26 ESSEX GARDENS BIRCHINGTON CT79TL	current
09 Jan 2012	F/TH/11/1074	NUMBER 21 TO 23 ARTHUR ROAD AND ADJACENT LAND, DALBY SQUARE, MARGATE	current
09 Jan 2012	L/TH/11/0998	27 LIVERPOOL LAWN RAMSGATE CT119HJ	current
06 Jan 2012	F/TH/11/1026	3 SEAVIEW COTTAGES CRUNDALE WAY BROADSTAIRS CT103RY	current

* This date is when Thanet District Council first published this case file.

Calling all Artists, Open Exhibition, Ramsgate

2012-01-15T11:53:00.000Z

Monkey Cage Gallery is offering artists the chance to show off their work in an open exhibition during February and March.

This exhibition is open to all artists and any medium can be used including painting, textile, photography, ceramics, lino print, drawing and sculpture. The only limit is your imagination.

Entry form and terms and conditions.

Looking forward to seeing some great art.

Monkey Cage Gallery

New documents published by Thanet District Council,

2012-01-13T21:24:00.001Z

Dreamland Public Inquiry details
http://www.thanet.gov.uk/environment---planning/planning/ldf-and-local-plan/dreamland/public-inquiry.aspx
12/01/2012 - Minutes published: Meeting of Dec 13 2011 7:00PM, Governance and Audit Committee
12/01/2012 - Minutes published: Meeting of Jan 5 2012 7:00PM, Cabinet
11/01/2012 - Agenda published: Meeting of Jan 19 2012 10:00AM, Licensing Sub Committee
10/01/2012 - Meeting held: Jan 10 2012 7:00PM, Overview and Scrutiny Panel
10/01/2012 - Meeting held: Jan 10 2012 11:00AM, Licensing Sub Committee
09/01/2012 - Agenda published: Meeting of Jan 18 2012 7:00PM, Planning Committee
09/01/2012 - Agenda published: Meeting of Jan 19 2012 7:00PM, Council
05/01/2012 - Meeting held: Jan 5 2012 7:00PM, Cabinet

Cllr Driver and his resignation from Thanet Labour Group.

2012-01-13T20:16:00.000Z

From Cllr Clive Hart - Labour Group Leader

THE FACTS

Firstly, Cllr Driver sent his apologies and did not attend the Group meeting where our original draft budget proposals were agreed.

Immediately I received Cllr Driver's email regarding our draft budget press release I phoned him and discussed his concerns with him.

In public at the TDC Cabinet meeting on 5th January Cllr Driver was allowed to speak and give his views on the issue and further discussion took place.

In public at the TDC Overview and Scrutiny meeting on 12th January Cllr Driver spoke at enormous length on the issue and even more discussion took place.

In the days between the Scrutiny meeting and our Group meeting on Thursday evening I spoke at length with our Group Deputy Leader, our Group Chair and our Cabinet member for Finance regarding Cllr Driver's concerns.

At Group on Thursday evening Cllr Driver was again encouraged to voice his concerns and ALL members present, including Cllr Driver repeatedly, debated the issue for well over an hour. When the final decision was made at the end of the debate, no-one supported Cllr Driver's view.

There were no 'scenes' and Cllr Driver left the meeting quietly, leaving behind his written resignation.

Our Group is a very inclusive and democratic organisation and I truly believe Cllr Driver was given every possible opportunity to put his case.

I think it is very sad that even after this lengthy procedure, he felt unable to accept the views of his fellow group members.

Cllr Driver's resignation changes little and I hope our sincere and positive actions since taking control have won us support outside of our party. Cross party working is essential in a hung council and I would think that is exactly what the public would wish to see.

Published by Thanet Labour Group, 44 Northdown Road, Margate, Kent, CT9 2RW.

Dreamland petition is presented to Public Inquiry

2012-01-11T12:03:00.004Z

Yesterday (10th January) the Public Inquiry into the future of the Dreamland began with a final decision expected around June. For the past two weeks campaigners have been running a 'Save Dreamland' petition in support of the plans put forward by Thanet Council and the Dreamland Trust. In this short space of time they managed to get almost 3,000 signatures - the original target was 1,000!

One of the organisers of the petition Dane Valley Ward Councillor Will Scobie said, " We would like to thank everyone that has given their support to this campaign. We know that any decision made on the future of Dreamland is going to be on a legal basis, but we felt it was important that the decision makers were aware of what the public wanted. Officers at Thanet Council and members of the Dreamland Trust have put so much work into the Dreamland project to get it this far, and we just hope that in some small way we have helped their case. It is clear from our discussions with local people that they want Dreamland open, and that they have no faith in the current owners of the site to deliver that. We hope the Planning Inspector looks at the facts of the case and the history of the site, and makes the right decision that will continue the regeneration of Margate."

Councillor Clive Hart accepting the 'Save Dreamland'
petition from Jodi Hibbert and Councillor Will Scobie

The petition was presented to the Leader of Thanet District Council Councillor Clive Hart, and then it was officially presented to the Planning Inspector in the Public Inquiry by Margate resident Jodi Hibbert who started the campaign and has been heavily involved in organising it.

STEP FORWARD FOR MARGATE SEAFRONT SITE

2012-01-11T10:21:00.000Z

Plans to bring a prominent Margate seafront site back into use have taken another step forward, with the decision to compulsorily purchase more land for the project.

Thanet District Council’s Cabinet were given an update on Thursday (6 January) on progress with the Fort Road Hotel, one of the few seafront properties still recognisable from Turner’s day. The council compulsorily purchased the site in December 2010.

The then Cabinet agreed in March 2011 that the site should be promoted for redevelopment as a small character hotel, offering 10 to 12 rooms, and a restaurant, as this would help to address the shortfall of quality hotel accommodation in Margate.

The issue came back to Cabinet in September 2011 and it was agreed that the council would continue to try and find a developer who was both willing and able to deliver a high quality boutique hotel. Planning permission was also granted in September 2011 to change the building from bedsits back into a hotel.

The council received about 20 informal enquiries about the Fort Road Hotel, before the search started in earnest for a development partner. A formal advert was published in October 2011 and, as a result, 30 application packs were sent out, but none were returned to the council.

Feedback from interested parties was that the lack of on-site parking and amenity land were the main reasons why developers didn’t want to take the project forward. As a result, Cabinet has now agreed that, subject to a valuation and available resources, the council would serve a compulsory purchase order on the land at the rear of the Fort Road Hotel, which could then be used for this purpose.

Cllr. Iris Johnston, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “Every effort was made to encourage the previous owner to make good the building and surrounding areas to no avail. We now need to go ahead with the additional Compulsory Purchase Order on the nearby land. Hopefully with that land secured, we can then get the Fort Road Hotel back into use for the benefit of Thanet.”

The council is also exploring another option for the site and is holding discussions with the Spitalfields Trust, a charity which rescues derelict historic buildings and sells them on for beneficial use.

SUSPENDED PRISON SENTENCE FOR BENEFIT CHEAT

2012-01-11T10:20:00.000Z

A Birchington woman, who fraudulently claimed almost £50,000 in housing benefit has been handed a suspended prison sentence and has been electronically tagged for four months.

Thanet District Council, working in partnership with the Department of Work and Pensions, brought the case against Suzanne Campbell (50), from Canterbury Road, Birchington. She had been receiving housing benefit initially for a property in Westbury Road, Westgate, then she moved to Argyle Avenue, Margate.

On her application forms, she stated that the landlord for both addresses was Gary Ledude, but investigations showed that he was in fact the father of her four children. On the application forms, Ms. Campbell had to declare whether the landlord is related to herself or children, as this affects someone's entitlement to claim housing benefit. On each occasion she claimed housing benefit, she ticked the “no” box in answer to this question.

As a result of this, she was paid £47,537.61 of housing benefit between February 2002 and June 2010 that she was not entitled to claim. She was interviewed under caution and stated that she did not read the question properly on all the application forms she completed. She did not think she had done anything wrong, but admitted she was dishonest for not completing the forms correctly.

She pleaded guilty to benefit fraud when she appeared before the Judge at Canterbury Crown Court. They handed out an eight month prison sentence, suspended for two years. Ms. Campbell was also given a curfew for four months, from 8:00 pm to 6:00 am each day, which will be monitored by an electronic tag. She will also have to pay back the benefits she fraudulently claimed and the court costs.

Cllr. Michelle Fenner, Cabinet Member for Business Services, said: “This case shows how not being honest about your circumstances can result in massive overpayments. As a result of this fraud over many years, a huge amount of money has been taken out of the taxpayers’ purse.”

To report someone you suspect of Housing Benefit and Council Tax benefit fraud call 01843 577369 or via the council’s websitewww.thanet.gov.uk

To notify the council of a change in your circumstances if you are claiming benefits, call 01843 577000 or e-mail benefits@thanet.gov.uk

LIFE DRAWING LIFE DRAWING

2012-01-10T17:00:00.001Z

Margate Adult Education Centre, Hawley Sq

Tutor: ROY EASTLAND

The new term of Monday night classes begins 16^th January.

‘Life Drawing – studio’

7pm-9pm each Monday night for ten weeks. This course is held in held in the ‘Life Room’ of the former ‘Thanet School of Art’ on the corner of Hawley Square (on ‘The Loop’ bus route and opposite Cecil Square for other bus services or a short walk along the sea front from the train station).

The classes will include a mixture of long and short poses with a mix of whole-group and one-to-one tuition. You can see examples of this tutor’s drawings and details of other drawing courses at: ‘Roy Eastland Drawing’ royeastland.wordpress.com

· Title: ‘Life Drawing – studio’

· Course code: 4284 MAR-11-B

· Venue: Margate Adult Education Centre

· Cost: £109

Enrol at any Adult Education Centre Office or by phone (08456065606) or at: www.kentadulteducation.co.uk

Labour Punish Broadstairs in Politically Motivated Decision to Block Community Centre

2012-01-10T15:08:00.000Z

The new TDC Labour Cabinet has blocked the Broadstairs Community Centre Trust’s project to build the town a new community centre in Pierremont Park.

Cabinet voted against the council officers’ recommendation that a lease be granted so that the project, which has been on the table for more than a decade, could finally be realised.

Labour’s Alan Poole claimed that the project had ‘almost universal objections’ despite the consultation process producing only nine objections to the community centre.

The officers’ report stated that “It is considered by the officers that the council’s previous support of the project, aligned with that of Broadstairs Town Council and KCC, together with the community benefit arising from the proposal is sufficient to outweigh the representations that are concerned about such a development in the park.”

However, the Labour Group went along with Broadstairs’ solitary Labour District Councillor Jennifer Matterface in overturning the recommendation. There are also concerns over emails sent out after the consultation period ended, calling for more objections and setting out what those objections should be.

At the same meeting, the Cabinet passed a decision on Margate Football Club, which has attracted in excess of 500 objections, to full Council with a recommendation to approve most of the application.

Labour’s decision has caused dismay within the Community Centre Trust and Broadstairs & St Peters Town Council. Conservative Group Leader, Councillor Bob Bayford stated that “Labour’s overtly political vindictiveness towards Broadstairs and local democracy is simply staggering. Against officers’ advice and the wishes of elected representatives, and on completely spurious grounds, the new Labour administration has denied our town a proper community centre of which it can be proud and which it so richly deserves.”

Ramsgate Harbour and Marina – Cllr Bayford welcomes award and highlights Cllr Hart’s hypocrisy

2012-01-09T17:02:00.002Z

Folowing the announcement that Ramsgate Harbour and Marina has won a coveted ‘Four Gold Anchors’ from The Yacht Harbour Association, Cllr Bob Bayford, Conservative Group Leader at TDC, responded: “I welcome this much deserved award. It is a tribute to the people involved with the Harbour and their dedication over a number of years and I wish to thank them for all their hard work.

“It is a shame, however, that the announcement came with an example of shameless Labour hypocrisy.”

On 5 January, TDC Leader, Labour’s Cllr Clive Hart also welcomed the news, saying:”This announcement is great news for Ramsgate and the council and ensures the Ramsgate Harbour and Marina is once again getting the recognition it deserves.”

This contrasts starkly with his Labour Group press release of 18 November 2011, in which Cllr Hart stated “Ramsgate Port and Harbour should be our islands (sic) ‘jewel in the crown’. Instead we’ve had eight years of Conservative rule and eight years of neglect.”

Cllr Bayford continued: “Perhaps Cllr Hart thinks he and the Labour Group earned this award in four weeks, or perhaps they merely rubbished the Harbour for party political purposes. We know they think the press are stupid, obviously they think we are all stupid.”

Margate Football Club – Labour indecision and spin

2012-01-09T17:01:00.002Z

The new Labour Cabinet conspicuously missed the chance to act decisively and end the uncertainty around Margate Football Club’s future. Instead, at Thursday’s meeting it chose to avoid making a decision and instead referred the issue to full Council.

Conservative Group Leader Cllr Bob Bayford commented: “After their Broadstairs fireworks debacle, the Labour Group is clearly desperate to avoid bad news stories and has unnecessarily bounced the decision over to Council. The Labour Cabinet is more obsessed with headlines and spin, rather than doing what is right for Thanet.”

Labour Budget Changes - Same Old Labour

2012-01-09T17:00:00.001Z

The changes which Thanet District Council Labour administration have made to the Conservative budget have included the reintroduction of non-essential spending by using the safety net which was set aside to protect the Council against unknown future needs in these uncertain economic times.

The Conservative administration specifically earmarked the pool of funds to protect the council and tax payers from future uncertainty in local government funding and a possible European and global economic downturn.

Martin Wise, Shadow Member for Finance, stated “When we left office in December, we passed on a prudent, balanced budget to the new Labour administration which delivered £1.5m savings, no increase in council tax, and no visible service reductions.

“However, it’s the same old Labour Party. Thanet Labour has learned nothing from Gordon Brown’s reckless spending and his plundering of pensions and gold reserves. They have immediately raided the family silver and reduced our safety net in highly uncertain times.”

CABINET CHANGES ANNOUNCED

2012-01-09T15:49:00.000Z

Changes have been announced to which councillors look after which areas of Thanet District Council’s business.

There will still be five Cabinet and Shadow Cabinet portfolio holders, but their portfolio will now line up to each of the council’s five service areas.

The services allocated to each portfolio and the Cabinet members responsible for these are:

Portfolio	Cabinet Member (Labour)
Corporate and Regulatory Services (which includes community safety, environmental health, licensing, land charges, democratic services and legal services) The Leader will also be responsible for strategic aspects of economic development and regeneration	Cllr. Clive Hart (Leader of the Council)
Commercial Services (which includes waste and recycling, street cleaning, public toilets, Port of Ramsgate, Ramsgate Royal Harbour Marina, coastal protection, parks, allotments, crematorium and cemeteries, general estate management and emergency planning)	Cllr. Alan Poole (Deputy Leader of the Council)
Community Services (which includes housing need and homelessness, private sector housing, housing intervention, the Margate Task Force, strategic planning, planning applications, planning enforcement, operational aspects of economic development and regeneration, tourism, sport, art, foreshores, museums, building control, conservation, the Thanet Coast Project, indoor and outdoor leisure, play areas and events)	Cllr. Iris Johnston
Financial Services (which includes East Kent Audit)	Cllr. Rick Everitt
Business Services (which includes shared services, such as East Kent Housing, human resources, customer services, revenues and benefits and IT services, along with communications, performance, policy and procurement)	Cllr. Michelle Fenner

Leader of the Council, Cllr. Clive Hart said: "These changes aim to simplify the way the council works by matching up each Cabinet Member to one of the council’s five service areas. That means we will be working with one senior manager, whereas previously, some Cabinet Members were dealing with two of three senior managers. That didn’t seem to be a good use of resources to me, especially as the council is aiming to be as efficient as possible in everything it does.”

Care - one of the biggest challenges for the country

2012-01-09T10:59:00.000Z

Every Christmas, I spend two weeks visiting care homes across Thanet – meeting with residents, talking to them and their families, and thanking the staff who are so committed to supporting residents through the festive period. We have a range of different types of homes and support for the elderly across Thanet and I am always so impressed by the dedication and kindness of the staff.

The caring sector, however, is not all rosy. Investigations by programmes such as Panorama have exposed upsetting examples of how care for the most vulnerable can go very badly wrong. As many families may have discovered, there are also problems with care packages whilst caring for a loved one can place a great strain on an individual.

Having been a Carer myself this is an issue which is particular close to my heart and I am working with national organisations – particularly Carers UK - to ensure that the social care system sees some real improvements. As charities suggested this week, we should celebrate the fact that we are all living longer lives - particularly those with disabilities and long term conditions. But as a country, we must ensure the necessary is in place to support the increasing number of people who require care. Ensuring the elderly are not left lonely, isolated and at risk will be one of the biggest challenges for this Government.

The Government has inherited a system which sees family members shouldering the majority of the caring responsibilities, leaves them with huge care bills and businesses losing good staff so that they can care for their loved ones.

By up-rating state pensions by £23.01 a month and with Ministers in the Department of Health pledging to outline reforms to the social care system in the Spring, it is clear the Government recognises the importance of our elderly citizens. In its first year in office, the Government commissioned the independent Dilnot Review into how social care costs should be met and the Minister, Paul Burstow, this week said that reform of social care was his “urgent priority”. I will be maintaining the pressure to ensure that we secure the sort of care system that guarantees the dignity and independence all our wonderful older residents so deserve. I would like to wish readers a very Happy New Year.

New planning applications,

2012-01-07T12:44:00.000Z

Date Published*	Application No.	Address	Status
06 Jan 2012	F/TH/11/1026	3 SEAVIEW COTTAGES CRUNDALE WAY BROADSTAIRS CT103RY	current
05 Jan 2012	F/TH/11/1025	41 HIGH STREET BROADSTAIRS CT101JR	current
05 Jan 2012	F/TH/11/1039	31 GEORGE V AVENUE MARGATE CT95RH	current
05 Jan 2012	F/TH/11/0953	26 CAXTON ROAD MARGATE CT95NP	current
04 Jan 2012	F/TH/11/1065	LANGMEAD PARK ROAD RAMSGATE CT117QH	current
03 Jan 2012	F/TH/11/1064	BARCLAYS BANK PLC 2 ALBION STREET BROADSTAIRS CT101LT	current
03 Jan 2012	F/TH/11/1052	POST OFFICE 22-23 CECIL SQUARE MARGATE CT91AA	current
03 Jan 2012	L/TH/11/1053	POST OFFICE 22-23 CECIL SQUARE MARGATE CT91AA	current
22 Dec 2011	F/TH/11/1041	10 KINGSGATE CASTLE, JOSS GAP ROAD, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 3PH	current
22 Dec 2011	F/TH/11/1062	MANSTON CARAVAN AND CAMPING PARK, MANSTON COURT ROAD,RAMSGATE	current
22 Dec 2011	L/TH/11/1059	10 KINGSGATE CASTLE, JOSS GAP ROAD, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 3PH	current
22 Dec 2011	R/TH/11/1057	UNIT 18,161 HIGH STREET, RAMSGATE, CT11 9TT	current
22 Dec 2011	F/TH/11/1055	14 UPTON GRANGE, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 2NS	current
22 Dec 2011	F/TH/11/1063	PUBLIC CONVENIENCE, BOUNDARY ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT11 7NA	current
22 Dec 2011	F/TH/11/1067	32 ADDINGTON STREET, MARGATE, CT91QU	current
21 Dec 2011	F/TH/11/1049	ST GABRIELS 44 ELM GROVE WESTGATE ON SEA CT88LB	current

New documents published by Thanet District Council,

2012-01-07T12:42:00.002Z

05/01/2012 - Meeting held: Jan 5 2012 7:00PM, Cabinet
21/12/2011 - Agenda published: Meeting of Jan 10 2012 7:00PM, Overview and Scrutiny Panel
21/12/2011 - Minutes published: Meeting of Dec 8 2011 7:00PM, Council

Drawing classes start next Saturday: Enrol Now.....from David Redfern

2012-01-07T12:41:00.000Z

CAMPAIGNERS CELEBRATE THE SAVING OF BROADSTAIRS PARK

2012-01-07T12:39:00.000Z

Campaigners are “jubilant” at Thanet Council’s decision to axe the building of a community centre in Broadstairs Pierremont Park.

On Thursday January 5^th the new Labour leadership of Thanet Council decided not to give the go-ahead to plans to build a controversial new community centre.

The decision was greeted by applause from campaigners in the public gallery, who have been lobbying against the building of the centre for the last seven years.

One of the campaigners, film-maker Christine Tongue, said: “This is a great day for anyone with a love for Broadstairs’ historic park.

“Building a community centre here would have meant cutting down trees and fatally damaging the fabric of the park – all for something that precious few people wanted.”

But the decision, according to Christine, also marked a victory for popular democracy over the desires of a “local elite”.

“I and many others believe the building of the park was always only the pursuit of a small number of powerful figures in Broadstairs society. Why did they want it? As a local resident once speculated in one of our films: “self glory”.

“And, even worse, they were prepared to take out a loan costing a total of nearly a million pounds to do it, burdening the public with a huge debt.”

“But perhaps there should now be an inquiry into why this waste of public time and money was allowed to happen.”

Christine claimed the building would have gone through if not for the protest movement. “People started campaigning against the centre back in 2005. Now a change in the leadership of the council has stopped the project -- but this wouldn’t have happened it if the protesters hadn’t kept the campaign going.”

Christine also said that this victory sends an important message to campaigners across Thanet.

“My message is to people who are fighting against corrupt or damaging developments across Thanet is simple: keep on going,” she said. “Constantly we were told the centre was a “done deal”, that it was inevitable, but we kept on campaigning and the result is we have saved our park.

“I don’t claim to be a leader of this campaign – it’s been a real joint effort on the part of the local community. I’d like to pay tribute to everyone who has worked so hard to stop this senseless scheme going ahead.”

“People are stronger than they know, they have more power than they think. Don’t bargain with the powers-that-be, don’t compromise. Tell them what you want - and if they won’t listen to you use every means you can to make them hear you!”

For more details telephone Christine Tongue on 01843 604253 or email inmeds@yahoo.co.uk.

MARGATE FOOTBALL CLUB LEASE PROPOSALS

2012-01-06T17:16:00.000Z

No further intrusion into public open space will be permitted, that’s the message from Cabinet Members over the proposed lease extensions for Margate Football Club.

At a meeting last night (Thursday 5 January), Cabinet agreed a series of recommendations, which will now go to Full Council for a final decision. The recommendations from Cabinet are as follows:

· Support the extension of the current lease for the main ground from 10 to 24 years.

· Refuse granting a lease for an extended area for a football pitch, as this is too intrusive in Hartsdown Park.

· Advise the removal of the extended parking area from the proposal or, at most, grant a small extension to the current car park. This would require the developers to seek an alteration to the current planning condition on parking provision. The reason for this is to avoid any further significant intrusion in Tivoli Park.

· Support the granting of a lease within the current football ground area for the construction of a hotel in line with the approved planning application, but try and ensure that the lease is as short as possible, whilst still making the project work financially.

· Support the extension of the lease for the current five-a-side pitches and car park from 15 to 24 years, to coincide in timing with the main ground lease.

Cabinet Members were clear that, whilst supporting the football club’s development and success in the future, this could not be at any cost to the parks.

Cabinet Member for Environmental Services Cllr. Alan Poole, said: “Let’s be clear, our recommendations to Council are not based on a lack of support for Margate Football Club. The council has already shown its support by granting planning permission for the new hotel development and improvements to club facilities, which we hope will see many more fans through the gates. This cannot come at any cost though. We have to be firm with any proposals that simply encroach too far into what is currently public open space. We’ve listened to local people through our consultation, and the public site visit, and I believe our recommendations reflect the range of views we received.”

Cabinet’s recommendations for the proposed lease extensions will be considered at Full Council on Thursday 19 January.

BROADSTAIRS COMMUNITY CENTRE PLANS UPDATE

2012-01-06T17:15:00.000Z

Controversial plans to build a new community centre in a Broadstairs park have failed to gain council approval, as they would lead to a loss of open space.

The plans for a new community centre in Pierremont Park were given the promise of financial support by Thanet District Council in 2005. A planning application was then approved by the council in February 2010, but the council still had to give the go ahead for the scheme, as it involved building on land that not previously been leased in a public park.

The council advertised the proposed lease in November 2011 and 10 responses were received, with nine objecting to the plans. Further objections have since been received by the council. Concerns raised include:

The proposals will damage the park, lead to a loss of trees and open spaces,
There are other alternative facilities in Broadstairs, so this scheme is no longer needed, and
It is not a good use of taxpayers’ money in the current financial climate.

As a result of these concerns, Cabinet last night (Thursday 6 January) decided that they would not grant a lease to the Broadstairs and St. Peter’s Community Centre Trust for the new community centre to be built. Instead, the Cabinet will now investigate, with Broadstairs and St. Peter’s Town Council, ways in which the existing buildings in the park can either be replaced or improved to provide better community facilities for the town.

Cllr. Alan Poole, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said: “I appreciate that this issue has a long history, with much time and effort put into this project by this council over the years. However, as a new administration, we needed to re-look at this and, of course, we’re aware of the almost universal objections to this project, which we need to consider carefully. Having done that, we cannot grant this lease, as it will lead to a loss of public open space, which many people have concerns about. Equally however, we know that more needs to be done. That’s why we’ll now be working with the town council to look at how we can improve community facilities in Broadstairs, but without impacting on the open space in the park, which we are committed to preserving.”

DOING NOTHING AT DREAMLAND NOT ACCEPTABLE

2012-01-05T17:24:00.002Z

Doing nothing at Dreamland is not acceptable. That’s the message from Thanet District Council ahead of a Public Inquiry into the council’s bid to compulsorily purchase the site.

The Inquiry starts on Tuesday 10 January and will see the council setting out its case as to why it believes a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) is the only way forward for this key site for Margate’s regeneration. The council originally served the CPO notice in June 2010.

The council is working in partnership with the Dreamland Trust to create a world first for the site, an amusement park of thrilling historic rides, with classic side shows, cafés, restaurants, special events, festivals and gardens. The project will also celebrate the British seaside and popular culture, with a focus on youth cultural heritage. It is a major part of Margate’s regeneration programme, creating volunteer, learning, training and employment opportunities.

The first stage of the project will see:

the restoration of the Grade II* listed Scenic Railway, the historic rides collection and the Grade II listed menagerie cages, along with repairs to the Grade II* listed Dreamland Cinema building,
the reopening of the main park entrance,
the introduction of a dedicated learning centre, exhibition area and community space,
the refurbishment of the existing car park and new events space, which will also double as an overflow car park.

This is now fully funded, with £3.7 million from the Sea Change fund, £3 million from the council and £3 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

The HLF grant will be available to fund project costs, once the council has demonstrated full control over the Dreamland site to the HLF’s satisfaction. Despite lengthy negotiations with the land owners, there was no progress in transferring the amusement park site to the council, leaving no option but to take CPO action.

Leader of Thanet District Council, Cllr. Clive Hart, said: “Doing nothing on the Dreamland site is not acceptable. It’s already remained vacant and virtually unused for more than five years now and I understand the previous council administration has spent the last couple of years looking at various proposals from the landowners, trying to reach an amicable solution with them. It’s our view that the landowners’ proposals won’t achieve the regeneration of Dreamland.

“Having already spent a considerable amount of time and money trying to come to an agreement with the landowners, the council is left with compulsory purchase of the site as the only way forward. Dreamland is a precious asset, not just for people in Thanet, but the whole country and we cannot afford to lose it. The council and the Dreamland Trust have the desire, ambition and resources to get the first phase of work done on the site. This will then encourage further investment for future phases.”

Chair of The Dreamland Trust, Nick Laister, said: "The Dreamland Trust fully supports the action being taken by Thanet District Council to secure the regeneration of the Dreamland site. Given the lack of progress by the landowners, who have owned the site since 2005, it is essential that the CPO succeeds; otherwise this once-in-a-generation opportunity to reopen the park and repair these important listed buildings will be lost. We believe that our joint proposals for the site are deliverable, viable and will create a unique visitor attraction for Margate.

"There are no other proposals on the table that will retain the site as a tourist attraction, as required by the Local Plan, and which are deliverable and sustainable. Our proposals will keep the entire site in amusement park use and return Dreamland to the status that it enjoyed until very recently, at the heart of Margate's visitor appeal. I will be personally attending the public inquiry and giving evidence in support of the CPO on behalf of The Dreamland Trust."

The council’s contractors Coombs (Canterbury) Ltd. started work on the Dreamland Cinema building in May 2011, after the council served a series of Urgent Works Notices on the owners of the building. So far, structural repairs have been carried out to the steel frame and concrete and to the doors and windows, along with re-pointing. Some of the roof structure has also been replaced, due to its poor condition. The work is expected to be completed by the spring.

The Public Inquiry is expected to last for approximately two weeks, although as it will not sit every day, it may last until the end of January. The Inquiry is being held in the Council Chamber in Cecil Street, Margate and is open to the public. Details of the Inquiry, and more information about Dreamland can be found at www.thanet.gov.uk/dreamland

Once the Inquiry concludes, a report from the Planning Inspector is expected in late February or early March. This will then be submitted to the Secretary of State, who will make a decision on the case. This may not be known until May or June.

BROADSTAIRS NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS DISPLAY

2012-01-05T16:02:00.002Z

The New Year’s Eve fireworks display in Broadstairs was cancelled following safety concerns raised by the Thanet District Safety Advisory Group.

Thanet District Council received the application to use its land for the event on 13 December 2011. Advice was sought from the Safety Advisory Group (SAG), which includes representatives from the police, fire and ambulance emergency services, Kent Highways and the council’s own Health and Safety team. Despite the lateness of the application, the council received comments back from members of the SAG, who raised a number of concerns.

The applicant was then advised that there were a number of health and safety issues that needed urgent attention. It is understood the organiser decided to cancel the event on 19 December 2011 and advised the Broadstairs and St. Peter’s Town Council of his decision.

Cllr. Iris Johnston, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “I share everyone’s disappointment that this event didn’t take place. Hopefully, in the coming weeks, everyone in Thanet who uses council land for events will work with officers and myself on a constructive way forward. This year promises to be an exceptionally busy time with both the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and London 2012 Olympics. Event organisers need to submit their land hire applications at least 18 weeks before their event is due to take place. This allows the council to work closely with other organisations, such as the emergency services, to ensure that public safety is guaranteed. We will always work with organisers to overcome any issues, but to do that, it’s vital that people get in touch with our events team at such an early stage.”

If you are thinking of holding any events during the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee event at the start of June, you need to get in touch with the council now. The only exception to this is small street parties, for only one or two streets and for neighbours only. In this case, the council still needs at least four week’s notice before the event and a simple application form will need to be completed.

For more information on holding an event, contact the council’s events team on 01843 577092 or e-mail events@thanet.gov.uk

Details and forms can be found on the council’s website at:

http://www.thanet.gov.uk/leisure__culture/event_organisation.aspx

For details on holding a small street party or fete to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, please visithttp://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/Gettinginvolvedinyourcommunity/Communitygroupsandprojects/DG_192701

Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour and Marina awarded 4 Gold Anchors

2012-01-05T12:04:00.000Z

Boasting many new facilities for its visitors and permanent berths has
enabled Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour and Marina to be awarded the
prestigious ‘Four Gold Anchors’ by The Yacht Harbour Association
(TYHA). 

Having already achieved Three Gold Anchors, the recent assessment by
The Yacht Harbour Association awarded an extra anchor to the Royal
Harbour and Marina as a number of positive improvements have been
undertaken following the previous assessment in 2009. 

Ramsgate’s thriving waterfront is widely regarded as one of the most
stunning in the country and is already chosen by many to moor their
boats and the Mariana is set on a cosmopolitan waterfront, full of chic
bars and restaurants. Its 700-berth Marina is one of the best in the
south east and is a distinctive landmark, servicing both local and
international yachtsmen, a local fishing industry and a range of
marine-related businesses operating in picturesque arches under the
Royal Parade.

The Marina boasts many superior facilities, including 24 hour security
with recorded CCTV, gated marinas, broadband WIFI access, 40 tonne boat
hoist and wash off service, full repairs facilities ashore, readily
available water, electricity, petrol, diesel and a modern amenity block
with free showers, toilets, launderette facilities and touch screen
information panels. Permanent and visitors berths are served by
dedicated parking and selected moorings and have access for people with
disabilities, with a wheelchair accessible amenity block. 

TYHA praised the Marina’s staff for the improvements made and
comments from berth holders have reported that the staff security,
ambience and lighting are all provided to a very high standard. 

Gareth Turnbull, TYHA General Manager says, “I believe that what Rob
and his team have done is up to a very high standard. This is an
extremely well run and secure site, and is a pleasant yacht harbour.”

Rob Brown, Maritime Operations Manager and Harbour Master, said: “We
are delighted and honoured to have been awarded the Four Gold Anchors
from The Yacht Harbour Association. 

“This, along with the improving visitor numbers, reflects the hard
work that’s been carried out by the whole team, to make improvements
to The Royal Harbour and its Marinas. The officially recognised award
will help to ensure that both our permanent berth holders and visitors
have an enjoyable experience and keep coming back.”

Leader of Thanet District Council, Cllr. Clive Hart, said: “This
announcement is great news for Ramsgate and the council and ensures the
Royal Harbour and Marina is once again getting the recognition it
deserves.

"The staff have worked hard to make improvements to the Marina to
ensure that both visitors and more permanent residents have a truly
enjoyable experience and have access to facilities they need. 

“The Ramsgate port and harbour area will continue to be a firm focus
for the new administration at 
the council. . We have a great range of facilities on offer and
Ramsgate's seafront offers a vast amount of restaurants and cafes, to
cater for all tastes".

The Marina is also home to a range of varied events throughout the
year, including the prestigious Ramsgate Week, widely regarded as the
‘friendly regatta’ and the alternative to Cowes, which takes
place in July every year.  

For more information about the Marina and what is has to offer, visit
www.portoframsgate.co.uk 

For more information about TYHA’s Gold Anchor Scheme, please contact
Libby Gordon on 01784 223817 or visit www.which-marina.com

LABOUR DRAFT BUDGET

2012-01-03T20:52:00.000Z

LABOUR DRAFT BUDGET - by Cllr Rick Everitt Cabinet Member for Finance.

"No increase in council tax and some lower than originally proposed fees and charges are key aspects of the draft budget to be considered by Thanet District Councils new Labour cabinet on Thursday night (5th January).

If eventually agreed by council a Band D householder will again pay just under £210 for TDCs services in 2012/13, although the final council tax bill is dependent on other authorities decisions, including those of Kent County Council and the isles town and parish councils.

The new TDC administration has also intervened to reverse £50,000 of cuts to events funding and floral grants that had been tabled by the former Conservative administration.

Given that we only came into office on December 8^th and the budget proposals had to be finalised well before Christmas, we have necessarily been limited in the changes we could make.

However, we have been able to reduce an inflation-busting 9 per cent hike to off-street car parking fees to allow time for a genuine consultation on proposals for a new charging scheme and we have cut back Conservative plans for 8.5 per cent and 15 per cent increases to the cost of cremations and burials.

Tory proposals to increase charges for pest control services to poorer households have also gone and we have reversed cuts in two areas that we believe would have particular impact on visitors coming to Thanet, in recognition of the bearing tourism has on the local economy.

These changes have been funded from existing government funding. We have made no new increases in fees and charges to cover them or to the council tax and neither are we drawing on reserves. The money was already there in government funding. It simply wasnt allocated.

We recognise that many residents are suffering because of the state of the economy and as far as we can we have set out to ensure that the council doesnt add to their problems.

Thanet has been severely hit by government cuts. We are one of only 12 local authorities in England - and the only one in Kent - that is receiving top-up funding this year because the scale of the funding reduction is so steep.

So while we are able to balance the books and do so without any significant cuts in jobs and services this year, we are not pretending that the council is doing everything it would like to do or is always delivering services of the quality and reliability that residents deserve.

Neither are we giving up on making those improvements in the future.

After cabinet on Thursday night, the budget proposals will go before overview and scrutiny next Tuesday (January 10^th) and then on to council, which has the final say, on Thursday, January 19^th.

The Conservatives have already had ample opportunity to input to the process as they effectively had ownership of the budget until less than a month ago. We have also held meetings with the councils four Independent members to hear their views.

Its a budget that all sides have had an opportunity to shape and therefore one which all should be able to support".

Published by Thanet Labour Group Press Office, 44 Northdown Road, Margate, Kent, CT9 2RW.

FREE SPORTS ACTIVITIES TO KICK START 2012

2012-01-03T17:30:00.002Z

Adults in Thanet can now get involved in free sports activities to help kick start the New Year.

Sport 4 Life is a 10-week sports activity programme which is being run by Thanet District Council's Sport Matters team and local sports providers to offer the free activities, which start from Monday 16 January 2012.

Adults can sign up and try out one or more sports activities which include football, netball, circuit training, learning to swim, running, kickboxing and Pilates. At the end of the 10-week programme, the Sports Matters team will provide details of local clubs to help participants continue their activities.

Cllr. Iris Johnston, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: "This 10-week programme is a great way for adults to get back into sports activities or try out new activities for free to help lead a healthier lifestyle.

"We know there can be barriers that prevent people from participating in sports activities or exercise usually because of busy schedules, arranging childcare and also the cost.

"This programme has been devised to help people to get back into sport and become physically fitter with improved mental health and wellbeing."

Sport 4 Life was first launched in February 2011 when more than 50 people took part in a range of sports activities.

Claire Buckingham, from Ramsgate, said: I signed up for golf lessons as this was a sport I had wanted to try for a while. This programme gave me the ideal opportunity to put my thoughts into action. I went along with a friend to the first golf session at Manston - it only took one hour of bad shots, frustration, laughter and a great coach, and we were both hooked.

"It's a great way to introduce adults to a new sport without the pressure of having to sign up to a club, which can be expensive.

"I would highly recommend this programme to anyone thinking about returning to an activity or trying out something new for the first time - and its free!"

For the programme of activities and to book, visit www.thanet.gov.uk/sportor for more information email sport@thanet.gov.uk or call 01843 577032.

NEW YEARS FIREWORK DISPLAY - BROADSTAIRS

2011-12-30T15:40:00.000Z

Statement from Cllr Clive Hart - TDC Leader.

"Shortly after the Council offices had closed for Christmas it was brought to my attention that the organiser of the the proposed new year fireworks display for Broadstairs was having problems and over the Christmas period I worked with the local MP and the Local Area Police Commander in an effort to resolve matters.

However, I am informed that during further discussions held straight after the Christmas break, the organiser decided to cancel the event.

I wish to make it absolutely clear this was NOT a TDC event".

Thanet Press Releases

Manston Airport - Open Letter from Bob Bayford, TDC Conservative Group 31 January 2012

STATEMENT FROM OCCUPY THANET

THANET MILE RETURNS FOR SPORT RELIEF

VANDALS SET FIRE TO MARGATE PUBLIC TOILETS

SPORTS 4 NRG OFFERS FREE SPORTS QUALIFICATIONS

RESPONSE TO LAURA SANDYS MP From Cllr Clive Hart

Labour Council Backs Down on Independent Consultation on Night Flights

OCCUPY THANET SETS UP CAMP IN MARGATE

New planning applications,

New documents published by Thanet District Council,

TV Clips on Pfizer and Food

TV Clips on Pfizer and Food!

Just click to Watch

CLEANSWEEP RESULTS IN CLIFTONVILLE AND MARGATE

Thanet District Council Webcast 19th January Council Meeting

OCCUPY THANET TO HOLD EVENT IN MARGATE THIS FRIDAY

NEW APPROACH TO AIRPORT CONSULTATION

DEALING WITH NIGHT FLIGHT PROPOSALS & HALTING THE CREATION OF A MONSTER

Adventures in Comics 2

Update on night-time flying: Independent assessment

Conservative Group leader Cllr Bob Bayford calls upon TDC’s Labour administration to clarify its policy on Manston Airport

TDC Labour administration and Independent Group reject Conservative call to use budget funds to help vulnerable groups in Thanet

New planning applications,

New documents published by Thanet District Council,

Urging Government to Support Speech and Language for our Children

Update on night-time flying proposal

Council endorse recommendations for Margate FC

THANET DISTRICT COUNCIL BUDGET 2012/13

Demolition of Richborough Towers gets go ahead

IMPROVED COMMUNITY FACILITIES FOR WESTWOOD DEVELOPMENT

The Good, Bad and Difficult News for 2012

New planning applications,

Calling all Artists, Open Exhibition, Ramsgate

New documents published by Thanet District Council,

Dreamland Public Inquiry details

Cllr Driver and his resignation from Thanet Labour Group.

Dreamland petition is presented to Public Inquiry

STEP FORWARD FOR MARGATE SEAFRONT SITE

SUSPENDED PRISON SENTENCE FOR BENEFIT CHEAT

LIFE DRAWING LIFE DRAWING

Labour Punish Broadstairs in Politically Motivated Decision to Block Community Centre

Ramsgate Harbour and Marina – Cllr Bayford welcomes award and highlights Cllr Hart’s hypocrisy

Margate Football Club – Labour indecision and spin

Labour Budget Changes - Same Old Labour

CABINET CHANGES ANNOUNCED

Care - one of the biggest challenges for the country

New planning applications,

New documents published by Thanet District Council,

Drawing classes start next Saturday: Enrol Now.....from David Redfern

CAMPAIGNERS CELEBRATE THE SAVING OF BROADSTAIRS PARK

MARGATE FOOTBALL CLUB LEASE PROPOSALS

BROADSTAIRS COMMUNITY CENTRE PLANS UPDATE

DOING NOTHING AT DREAMLAND NOT ACCEPTABLE

BROADSTAIRS NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS DISPLAY

Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour and Marina awarded 4 Gold Anchors

LABOUR DRAFT BUDGET

FREE SPORTS ACTIVITIES TO KICK START 2012

NEW YEARS FIREWORK DISPLAY - BROADSTAIRS