ONLINE POLL – IS TDC FIT FOR PURPOSE

A series of on-line polls have been conducted asking one simple question – Is Thanet District Council Fit For Purpose?

The question was posed in eight Thanet on-line forum and 402 people responded. 380 (94.5%) said ‘no’ to the question whilst 22 (5.5%) said ‘yes’.

The question was posed after Thanet Councils Standards Committee rejected a report from Independent Members on 21st November, 2013 stating that the public had lost trust in the organisation.

‘What Absolute Nonsense’

Leader of the Council, Clive Hart, said “I’m pretty certain that virtually every councillor will agree that there is now just one particular councillor whose anarchistic tendencies and total disrespect for Chairmen, the constitution and procedures is trying to bring the council and every one of us into disrepute.” He went on to say “in relation to the wording - councillors are ‘distrustful of the public’. What absolute nonsense!” Responding to being out of touch with residents of Thanet, Cllr Hart said, “It’s nothing short of an insult to describe Labour Group members as in any way ‘distant from the realities of peoples lives’.”

Cllr Michelle Fenner responded by saying, “blaming all Cllrs for the misconduct of a handful is PLAIN WRONG”. She went on to say “The real true culprit in all of this, is the austerity policy from Central Government”

Speaking after the resignation of the Independent members , Green Councillor Ian Driver said, “This unfortunate event will serve to strengthen the public perception that Thanet councillors do not listen to their constituents and are out of touch, unresponsive and defensive. Instead of being an opportunity for Thanet Council and its councillors to move forward and become more open and democratic, the meeting last night took a big step backwards. This was a classic case of shooting the messenger.”

Conservative Group leader, Cllr Bob Bayford stated: “The report reflects very accurately the fears of members of this group, who believe the council’s reputation is in real difficulty. I pledge both my personal and my group’s support for steps which will change the public perception of council affairs.”

‘Councillors Need To Listen More’

Responding to the poll, Cllr Chris Wells said, “Whilst any survey must be treated with caution, it is hard not to recognise the similar responses found within the independent standards report in this one. And draw the conclusion that damning their view of public perception of the council is dangerous, simply underlining most people's fears. Cllrs need to listen to public views more frequently, more consistently, and more humbly in future.”

Green Party Councillor Ian Driver said “This astonishing figure lends support to the Report of the Independent Standards Committee which was criticised and rejected by senior councillors just last week. It's clear to me that big changes are needed at the Council.” He went on to say his opinions will be made public in coming weeks

Councillor Julie Marson said, “As a member of Standards Committee present at the meeting, I spoke against the self pity and denial displayed by the Labour cabinet and members. I did not vote to return the report to the independent members and said that instead of trying to blame everyone else, we should be discussing how to improve the council's reputation in the eyes of the public. I remain of that view.”

Councillor Roz Binks stated that cross-party committees generally operate without a problem and that “most councillors hold their positions for the right reasons - to contribute something to their community”, but “there seems to have been an acceptance amongst some councillors that personal and often pretty much slanderous slurs are permissible within Council Chambers.” She goes on to say, “Cllr Fenner's statement is absurd - you can't blame austerity for lack of manners or for the spiteful comments, verbal slurs and downright lies that have been traded across the council chamber on many occasions.”

Other councillors were asked to respond but did not comment.

Thanet Councils reputation has suffered a number of blows in the past year with the announcement that there were £3.4M losses over TransEuropa Ferries, £2.7M paying for road improvements around EKO land, a potential Judicial Review over the lease to The Pavilion in Ramsgate, the former leader of the council being jailed for misconduct in public office, a court case over live animal export in December which could result in payments of over £1M in damages, on going problems with the Royal Sands development and the roll out of a new waste recycling scheme which has resulted in numerous homes without waste collection.

The Independent members of the public who produced the report resigned after Councillors responses and were unavailable for comment.

The question was asked in eight on-line polls: Eastcliffe Richard blog spot, and Facebook pages/groups In Touch With Thanet (x2), Save Margate A & E, Ice Rink In Thanet, Friends of Ramsgate Seafront, Broadstairs! & Ramsgate

KEVIN LYNES

The sudden death of Kevin Lynes of KCC has come as an enormous shock to me. We were from different political parties but I never once had any problem with Kevin in my 4 years at County Hall and I always found him extremely polite and welcoming.

 

Indeed, since I became leader at TDC last December Kevin has genuinely been very supportive and we were working together on several projects here in Thanet including the recent computer gaming event at the Winter Gardens, the 'Make Thanet/Kent Quicker' broadband campaign and a Further Education project.

Truly lovely guy - just isn't fair!

 

Cllr Clive Hart - Thanet District Council Leader 

RESPONSE TO LAURA SANDYS MP From Cllr Clive Hart

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 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.

 

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

NEW YEARS FIREWORK DISPLAY - BROADSTAIRS

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".

WALPOLE BAY WATER QUALITY

PICTURE AND COMMENT FROM Cllr CLIVE HART - CLIFTONVILLE WEST.

 

Following a morning ward walk in Cliftonville West on 19th July I contacted TDC with the following communication and attached photograph:

 

'CLIFTONVILLE WEST DUMPING GROUND!

 

Please see attached a picture  of a large pile of seaweed dumped on the slipway at Newgate Gap in Cliftonville (taken today Tuesday 19th July 2011).

 

This is just one very tiny part of a huge mass of seaweed that is being transported from Palm Bay and systematically dumped in the same location.

 

The fact is that this mass dumping of seaweed is simply taking seaweed from Cliftonville East and dumping it in Cliftonville West.

 

Worse still, it is now being placed on an exceptionally narrow beach, directly underneath 66 homes in the Queens Court block of social housing flats (predominantly occupied by elderly residents) that is located less than 10 meters from the cliff top'.

 

Basically, large amounts of seaweed were being moved by TDC from one side of Cliftonville to the other, effectively surrounding the beach and bathing pool at Walpole Bay.

 

Cllr Clive Hart

 

COMMENT - TURNER - OBSERVER ARTICLE

From today's national Observer article on David Chipperfield - architect.

Referring to KCC the article says:

"The client was shell-shocked, literally," says Chipperfield, "and had less money than they'd started with," so he has responded with "a very secure and wholesome building". It is simple, studio-like, almost shed-like, but still with a robust presence on the waterfront. Most of the designers' energy went into capturing the exceptional daylight on the Kent coast, which Turner described as "the loveliest in all Europe," and taking it indoors. "The light inside is fantastic" says Chipperfield, "it is the best we've done and the best I've seen anywhere for a long time."

"This is exactly what I have said from the very first day I saw Mr Chipperfield's plans at the Winter Gardens. The interior will be great, not so sure about the exterior, and so much time, money and energy was wasted on that first design by the administration at Kent County Council.

The people of Thanet, and paricularly the residents of Margate and Cliftonville, have the Tory administration at County Hall to blame for any shortcomings in the design of the exterior that they will have to live with.

Mr Chipperfield did the very best he could with the funding made available after the collapse of the first project and in that respect he really has done a brilliant job. But Margate has paid a very heavy price through the lack of regeneration over several wasted years, whilst waiting for local Tory administrations to finally got their act together".

Cllr Clive Hart - Leader of the Opposition TDC.

RESPONSE TO MARK NOTTINGHAM'S 'OPEN' LETTER TO ME Cllr Clive Hart

Mark Nottingham's wildly inaccurate and defamatory allegations made in his 'open letter' to me have come as a great disappointment. He appears to be very angry at the situation he finds himself in, and sadly he is therefore lashing out at anyone and everyone, whilst totally failing to look at himself.

Firstly, I can't help but note the timing of Mark's 'open letter' to me which coincides with my having two close relatives (my mother and brother) in hospital, both fighting extremely serious and potentially life threatening conditions.

Mark's sad and anxious rant is full of inaccuracies, false allegations and ridiculous innuendo and it says far more about him and his state of mind than it does about myself or any other member of the Labour Party.

I have a longstanding and completely unblemished reputation and in particular I have spent the last two decades, leading, supporting and working passionately with and for numerous community, voluntary and political organisations at local, county and national level. My life is an open book. My comprehensive CV is attached to this email and absolutely anyone can follow my daily life through twitter & facebook on the internet.

Labour is a democratic party and local branches choose their own candidates for town, district and county elections, it was therefore Mark's own Ramsgate branch who decided to 'deselect' him. I am a member of Cliftonville branch and I took absolutely no part in the selection meeting held in Ramsgate. I feel extremely sorry for Mark but at the end of the day, members of his own branch, for whatever reason, decided they didn't want him to be their candidate in the 2011 elections. If I were Mark I would be asking myself what had I done to make that happen, not trying to point the finger at everyone else.
Mark's concerns have been thoroughly investigated and rejected by all the relevant bodies and committees here locally in Thanet and following yet further and extremely thorough investigation, the Labour Party South East Regional Director has confirmed "Labour's candidates for Thanet District Council were selected by the Labour Party's agreed process. The allegations made by Mark Nottingham have been fully investigated by the Labour Party and all of his complaints have been dismissed. Mark Nottingham is not a candidate for the Labour Party for the Thanet District Council elections".

Unfortunately, Mark will simply not accept the situation.

Those are the facts, but for clarification of the situation that Mark finds himself in, I now introduce a statement that I would swear to be true in any court in the land:
__________

"On the Saturday morning following the Ramsgate TDC selection meeting in 2010, Mark Nottingham appeared behind me in a car park just off of Northdown Road in Margate, as I was parking my own car.

He came up to me and started to complain that 'someone' had told him I had somehow arranged for him to be de-selected.

I told him he was daft and that I had absolutely no part in the proceedings. Indeed, as group leader, his deselection as a candidate had caused me all kinds of problems. I also told him I was only present in the room on that evening to make the meeting chorate if I was needed (as per party rules). I wasn't needed but I stayed simply to be respectful to all candidates (as did the rest of the Executive Committee). I also told Mark - absolutely truthfully - that had I been allowed to vote, I MOST CERTAINLY WOULD HAVE VOTED FOR HIM.

I then asked Mark who exactly had been saying I'd been working against him, because I wanted to speak to them personally and put them right - I was very assertive with this reply because I knew I had done absolutely no such thing. Mark would not say who and I can only imagine his original suggestion that I was involved in some way was some kind of trick to 'out' me as 'someone against him', if it were true. It didn't work because IT SIMPLY WAS NOT TRUE!

MORE IMPORTANTLY, because I had been so assertive with my absolutely truthful response he then started to get very agitated and told me he didn't care about next year’s local elections and that he would 'shred' all those involved in the selection process. He most certainly used the word ‘shred’ in relation to those involved and although I can’t remember his precise words he definitely said he didn’t care about next year’s elections.

He then walked off and across the road to the Labour office. I was extremely annoyed by his ridiculous allegations and even more so regarding his comments about 'shredding' fellow members and his total disregard for his Labour colleagues and the forthcoming local elections.

I got back into my car, drove out of the car park and stopped just outside the Labour office. I entered and stood in the doorway. In front of at least four other members I shouted from the doorway across the room at Mark that I was appalled by his ridiculous allegations, his remark about shredding his fellow members and his attitude towards the 2011 elections. I added "what happened to you at the selection meeting was a tragedy and as I said, had I been allowed to vote I would have voted for you, but after your comments across the road in the car park just then, I can only say the Ramsgate members made the right decision at your selection meeting, whatever their reasons".

The next morning I met with Mark and another member in the same office in an effort to reconcile matters and by the end of our hour and a half long meeting I truly thought I had convinced Mark of the truth that I had absolutely nothing to do with his deselection. I felt we were leaving that meeting on good terms so I told Mark I would put his appalling comments made in the car park down to his anger and forget the whole matter.

Unfortunately, despite the total absurdity of his allegations, Mark has continued to blame myself and several other innocent members over this matter, and to this very day. He absolutely fails to see that he himself could be in any way responsible for what was clearly his own unpopularity with his Ramsgate colleagues".
__________

I repeat, I am quite prepared to swear the statement above to be true in any court in the land.

I am a team player and always have been. However, I simply refuse to be the leader of a group with a member who behaves in the manner of Mark Nottingham.

1) I therefore intend to stand down as the Leader of the Labour Group.

2) As I have done consistently, every single day for well over three weeks now, I will continue to visit and support my close family members in our local QEQM hospital.

3) I will remain a loyal Labour councillor and continue to work with colleagues Cllrs Linda Aldred and Doug Clark for the residents of Cliftonville West and to retain our seats at TDC, where we still have so much work to do.

4) I will continue in my role as secretary of Cliftonville Labour Party.

5) I will most certainly continue with all my numerous voluntary and community roles in organisations across Thanet.

6) I will consider the possibility of any further roles within Thanet Labour Group after the May elections, if and when I am re-elected, in a group which the Regional Director has clearly stated will not include Mark Nottingham.

7) I will also be taking time to seriously consider possible legal action against Mark Nottingham.

Cllr Clive Hart

Ed. The attachment Clive sent me was really too big to put on the blog so here is the link to it http://www.michaelsbookshop.com/shop111/id3.htm

3 HOURS 45 MINS FROM WESTWOOD TO CLIFTONVILLE

3 HOURS 45 MINS FROM WESTWOOD TO CLIFTONVILLE

(OR WHY SOME GANGS OF YOUTHS IN THANET ARE REALLY GOOD)

KCC LET US DOWN BUT RESIDENTS ARE FANTASTIC

Please find below the timeline for our return home to Cliftonville from Westwood Cross on Saturday 18th December.

3pm precisely - My wife Sandy and I got into our car in the middle of the Westwood Cross car park.

3.45pm - Got to the exit roundabout next to Marks & Spencer's.

4pm - Sat at main Westwood roundabout - virtual gridlock.

4.45pm - Sat at traffic lights between Hornby and B&Q.

4.50pm - Literally slid down Chapel Hill and finally came to rest outside the Orb public house.

5pm - Sat at traffic lights outside QEQM hospital.

5.10pm - Sat at Victoria traffic lights. Now snowing again on top of ice.

5.15pm - Spent half an hour sliding all over the place on the first steep hill in College road. At one point a double decked bus slid down the ice covered road outside the vets towards us. We were only able to progress due to a fantastically selfless gang of (mainly) youths who helped us and many others over and over, by pushing us repeatedly in blizzard conditions. We would have parked up at this point but road was completely littered with abandoned cars leaving no safe spaces to park in.

5.40pm - Some dodgy moments at double roundabout at College road and St Peters road.

5.45 - Slid down second steep hill of College road towards the King Edward cross roads.

5.50pm - Saw cars ahead sliding all over the hill ahead in Millmead Road so decided to park up outside King Edward and walk.

6pm - Started walking towards Millmead and saw a long pink stretch-limo actually make it all the way up Millmead road so went back to our car and tried again.

6.15m - Came to absolute standstill in Millmead road on ice at both the junctions with Fitzroy Avenue and Laleham Road. Only able to progress due to another fantastic selfless 'gang' who helped us and many others over and over, by pushing us repeatedly.

6.35pm - Finally got to top of the hill in Millmead road.

6.40pm - Glided home along Millmead road and down Foreland Avenue with only one minor risky moment when a pedestrian stepped out near the Wheatsheaf public house and we couldn't stop.

6.45PM precisely - Arrived home at Clarence Avenue Cliftonville and put the kettle on.

Comment: absolutely none of the roads we used appeared to be gritted at all. The two 'gangs' of men who helped us in both College Road and Millmead Road were simply fantastic - they were working in the most hazardous and freezing of conditions and they have restored my faith in human nature. I'm sure I speak for many they helped on Saturday when I say a massive thank you for all their help.

Clive