Monday, 23 April 2012

New planning applications,

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



Date Published*Application No.AddressStatus
20 Apr 2012F/TH/12/0085WESTGATE SURGERY 60 WESTGATE BAY AVENUE WESTGATE-ON-SEA CT88SNcurrent
20 Apr 2012F/TH/12/0260LORD OF THE MANOR CANTERBURY ROAD EAST RAMSGATE CT125EPcurrent
20 Apr 2012F/TH/12/028725 ROYAL ESPLANADE MARGATE CT95DZcurrent
19 Apr 2012F/TH/12/0289FLAT 3 18 VICTORIA PARADE BROADSTAIRS CT101QScurrent
19 Apr 2012F/TH/12/031219-27 HIGH STREET, ST LAWRENCE, RAMSGATE, CT11 OQWcurrent
19 Apr 2012F/TH/12/0313237 RAMSGATE ROAD MARGATE CT94BLcurrent
18 Apr 2012C/TH/12/0172LAND ADJACENT 2 SHAFTSBURY STREET RAMSGATEdecided
18 Apr 2012CU/TH/12/01566 LAVENDER LANE RAMSGATE CT125LJdecided
18 Apr 2012F/TH/12/0139AUSTIN RUSSELL PHOTOGRAPHIC 4 HARBOUR STREET RAMSGATE CT118HAcurrent
18 Apr 2012F/TH/12/017925 MASONS RISE BROADSTAIRS CT101AYcurrent
18 Apr 2012F/TH/12/02422 WILLOW AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT102LPcurrent
18 Apr 2012F/TH/12/024544-46 ALBION STREET, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 1NEcurrent
18 Apr 2012F/TH/12/02727 CARLTON RISE WESTGATE-ON-SEA CT88QDcurrent
18 Apr 2012F/TH/12/029592 DUNSTAN AVENUE WESTGATE-ON-SEA CT88HTcurrent
18 Apr 2012F/TH/12/02983 DOMNEVA ROAD MINSTER RAMSGATE CT124DRcurrent
18 Apr 2012F/TH/12/02998 MOLINEUX ROAD MINSTER RAMSGATE CT124DPcurrent
18 Apr 2012F/TH/12/030412 TOTHILL STREET MINSTER RAMSGATE CT124AGcurrent
18 Apr 2012L/TH/12/024644-46 ALBION STREET, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 1NEcurrent
18 Apr 2012F/TH/12/028315 STANCOMBE AVENUE RAMSGATE CT110EXcurrent
18 Apr 2012F/TH/12/028470 THE SILVERS BROADSTAIRS CT102LZcurrent
18 Apr 2012F/TH/12/0285H S B C 244 NORTHDOWN ROAD MARGATE CT92PZcurrent
18 Apr 2012F/TH/12/028825 VINCENT CLOSE BROADSTAIRS CT102NBcurrent
18 Apr 2012F/TH/12/031119-27 HIGH STREET ST LAWRENCE RAMSGATE CT11 0QWcurrent
18 Apr 2012F/TH/12/0256FIRECRAFT 128 KING STREET RAMSGATE CT118PAcurrent
17 Apr 2012F/TH/12/0254CO-OPERATIVE RETAIL SERVICES LTD 54 STATION ROAD BIRCHINGTON CT79RAcurrent
17 Apr 2012A/TH/12/0282H S B C 244 NORTHDOWN ROAD MARGATE CT92PZcurrent
16 Apr 2012F/TH/12/02767 ST MILDREDS AVENUE, RAMSGATE, CT11 0EEcurrent
16 Apr 2012F/TH/12/0268BAY VIEW HEIGHTS, ETHELBERT ROAD, BIRCHINGTON, CT7 9QYcurrent
16 Apr 2012F/TH/12/007322 OZENGELL PLACE, EUROKENT BUSINESS PARK, RAMSGATE, CT12 6PBcurrent
16 Apr 2012F/TH/12/0248BIRTHDAYS 106 HIGH STREET MARGATE CT91JWcurrent
16 Apr 2012F/TH/12/0251FOCUS DO IT ALL PYSONS ROAD RAMSGATE CT126RLcurrent
13 Apr 2012F/TH/12/0257THANET EARTH, BARROW MAN ROAD, BIRCHINGTON, CT70AXcurrent
12 Apr 2012L/TH/12/021878 TRINITY SQUARE MARGATE CT91HScurrent
12 Apr 2012F/TH/12/026548 DANE CRESCENT RAMSGATE CT117JTcurrent
12 Apr 2012F/TH/12/0267191 CANTERBURY ROAD MARGATE CT95DAcurrent
11 Apr 2012A/TH/12/0177SEVENSCORE FARM HOUSE, EBBS FLEET LANE NORTH, RAMSGATE, CT12 5DWcurrent
11 Apr 2012F/TH/12/0101112 BOTANY ROAD, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 3SEdecided
11 Apr 2012F/TH/12/018017 HIGHBURY GARDENS, RAMSGATE, CT126QGcurrent
11 Apr 2012F/TH/12/0200RAWSONS RETREAT, NORTH FORELAND AVENUE, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 3QTcurrent
11 Apr 2012F/TH/12/02113 PARK ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT11 7QNcurrent
11 Apr 2012F/TH/12/022859 SOUTHWOOD ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT11 OALcurrent
11 Apr 2012F/TH/12/0240ST AUGUSTINES BUSINESS CENTRE, 125 CANTERBURY ROAD, WESTGATE ON SEA, CT88NLcurrent
11 Apr 2012F/TH/12/025929 STATION ROAD, BIRCHINGTON, CT7 9DJcurrent
11 Apr 2012L/TH/12/02323 PARK ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT11 7QNcurrent
11 Apr 2012A/TH/12/0266294-300 NORTHDOWN ROAD, MARGATE, CT9 3PAcurrent
11 Apr 2012F/TH/12/0253HENGROVE FARM, SHOTTENDANE ROAD, MARGATE, CT9 4NHcurrent
11 Apr 2012A/TH/12/0249106 HIGH STREET, MARGATE, CT91JWcurrent
10 Apr 2012F/TH/12/026341 NASH COURT GARDENS MARGATE CT94DGcurrent

* This date is when Thanet District Council first published this case file.
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New documents published by Thanet District Council,


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Friday, 20 April 2012

Thanet Council first to support equal civil marriage 


Thanet District Council is the first local authority in Kent to
officially support the Government’s proposals to enable same-sex civil
marriage.

At Full Council last night (Thursday 19 April) a motion to respond to
the Government’s consultation to remove the ban on same-sex couples
being able to have a marriage through a civil ceremony was debated and
agreed.

The motion also supported the proposal to allow transsexual people to
change their legal gender without having to legally end their existing
marriage or civil partnership.

Cllr. Michelle Fenner, Cabinet Member for Equalities & Diversity, said:
“I am delighted that the Council will be supporting the Government’s
proposals for same-sex marriage.” 

“Civil partnerships and marriage are two separate institutions with
two separate legal situations. In the interest of equality; separate is
not equal. Having to declare a civil partnership is equivalent to
declaring sexual orientation which amounts to discrimination.”

“Influencing the work of other agencies to ensure the best outcomes
for Thanet is one of the priorities in our new Corporate Plan. We will
send our motion to Government and show that we actively promote social
inclusion in Thanet. This is about fighting against inequality and
discrimination and as a progressive and inclusive Council we will
continue to do this.”
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THANET COUNCIL VOTE ON EQUAL MARRIAGE

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Art Fund Prize judges visit Turner Contemporary


Today, the Art Fund Prize judges visited Turner Contemporary as part of their UK-wide tour of nominated organisations.

They met with Director Victoria Pomery, Chair of Trustees John Kampfner and Head of Learning Karen Eslea, took a tour around the gallery and also visited Margate Old Town and the seafront.

Sally Abbott, Regional Director of Arts Council England South East, is one of Turner Contemporary’s funding partners who also welcomed the Art Fund judges. She says:
'The Arts Council has long argued that the arts are the glue that binds communities together and there is certainly compelling evidence that Turner Contemporary is helping to breathe new life into Margate. Its first year visitor figures are very impressive but perhaps even more of an achievement is the fact that 20,000 of those who have been attracted to the gallery are first time gallery goers.

The Art Fund Prize 2012 would be a fitting tribute to this engaging and iconic space - to a programme that successfully marries historical and contemporary art, to a team who are working hard to make it a success, and to all those who are enjoying great art within its walls. I wish Turner Contemporary the very best of luck!’

Cabinet Member for Community Services, Thanet District Council, Cllr. Iris Johnston, said: 'I'm absolutely delighted for Turner Contemporary. Being longlisted for such a prestigious award is fantastic and echoes the success the gallery has achieved in its first year. This is another important accolade for Turner Contemporary, which is making its mark nationally and internationally, and I’m thrilled it’s here in Margate.'

The visit coincided with Turner Contemporary's first birthday celebrations WE ARE ONE. To celebrate 365 cupcakes were made and given out to visitors, supplied by the Cupcake Cafe in Margate.

Funders
Partners
 
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Priorities to tackle crime agreed

An action plan which sets out how Thanet Community Safety Partnership
aims to tackle crime in the area has been backed by Thanet District
Council.

The plan was approved at Full council last night (Thursday 19 April)
and highlights tackling anti-social behaviour, domestic abuse, substance
misuse and violent crime as the top priorities for the district over the
next 12 months.

In addition to this, Council agreed to support Cabinet in the
continuation of discussions with local Police partners to review how the
Council and Police work together to deliver community policing in
Thanet.

As part of their action plan the partnership will:

● carry out two noise car operations, responding to late night
complaints about noise
● use the Crime Retail Car to patrol retail areas in Thanet,
responding to calls about shoplifting
● hold a public engagement day about domestic abuse, raising
awareness of the support available locally
● use temporary CCTV cameras to gather evidence where there are
complaints about anti-social behaviour and drug use
● hold four open forums across Thanet and two SOS trailer
consultations to listen to people’s concerns

At the meeting Cabinet Members were also presented with the latest
crime statistics, which revealed that over the past 12 months, all crime
reduced in Thanet by 3.2%. This meant there were 350 less crimes
compared to the year before. The biggest reduction had been in
burglaries from people’s homes, which dropped by 29.6% and theft from
vehicles, which reduced by 22.9%.

Cllr. Iris Johnson, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “An
overall reduction in crime over the past 12 months is welcome news for
Thanet. But our work does not stop here. Feeling safe from crime
continues to be a top priority for local people and that’s why having
a strong plan to target our resources is essential. Thanet Community
Safety Partnership, working with Kent Police and key local agencies,
ensure that we continually strive to create a safe environment for our
residents. I‘m looking forward to working with new members of the team
in the coming months and hope to see the reduction in crime continue.
Chief Superintendent Mark Nottage will shortly be meeting with Members
of the council as part of regular updates received from the Police.”
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Improved petition scheme

Full Council last night (Thursday 19 April) agreed that the Council
would keep an improved Petitions Scheme despite the Localism Act 2011
repealing the requirement.

The Council’s Petitions Scheme details how petitions should be
submitted and how the Council manages them once received. This includes
the following thresholds for Council responses to petitions:

1. Petitions signed by 25 or more petitioners but fewer than 650
will be presented to Council and referred to the Cabinet or another
appropriate committee without debate, for report to the Council within
three ordinary meetings.
2. Petitions signed by at least 650 petitioners but fewer than 1000
will be considered at a meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel and
the petitioner will have the option to have a named officer attend the
meeting to give evidence.
3. Petitions signed by 1000 or more petitioners will be debated at
a meeting of Council, unless the petitioner has already exercised the
above option to request that a named officer attends, in which case it
will be considered at a meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel.

The recommendations to Council came following discussions at the
Constitutional Working Party and Standards Committee. It was agreed by
Council that the Petition Scheme remain in place with only the following
changes:

● The Council’s Monitoring Officer would become allowed to
reject petitions on purely technical grounds, if they relate to a
regulatory decision (where challenge outside of the planning system is
not permitted) or include no contact details (where they simply cannot
be progressed).
● The Monitoring Officer, in consultation with the Leader of the
Council and the Chairman of the Council’s watchdog body the Overview
and Scrutiny Panel, would be able to reject a petition if another
similar petition had been received within the previous 12 months.
● The reasons for rejecting any petition are reported to the next
available Overview and Scrutiny Panel meeting.

Cllr. Clive Hart, Cabinet Member for Corporate and Regulatory Services
said: “Although the Localism Act 2011 gives the Council the choice of
whether or not to have a Petitions Scheme we will continue to have this
in place and listen to our residents’ views. We take residents’
issues very seriously and want to hear about the things that people are
most concerned about. The Petitions Scheme helps to bring these issues
to our attention.”

Details of the Petitions Scheme are published on the Council’s
website at:
http://www.thanet.gov.uk/council__democracy/cllrs_democracy__elections/petitions/petitions_scheme.aspx
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New parking fees approved by Council

Proposals to introduce fairer parking charges have been given the go
ahead by Thanet District Council.

The new system, approved at Full Council last night (Thursday 19
April), will see residents and visitors paying by the hour in car parks,
with linear charges introduced to most on street parking across Thanet.


To encourage more local shopping in Thanet’s town centres, free
parking will also be introduced as part of the new plans on Saturdays at
car parks in Vere Road in Broadstairs, Leopold Street in Ramsgate, Mill
Lane in Margate and Harold Road in Cliftonville.

Albion Road in Birchington will have half an hour’s free parking each
day on a trial basis.

Cabinet Member for Corporate and Regulatory Services, Cllr. Clive Hart,
said: “The free parking is great news for motorists and businesses in
Thanet. We’ve listened to residents and local businesses and
understood that we needed to simplify our approach with parking charges.
Full Council have now endorsed a system which we hope will be fairer for
everyone”.

The new plans will see most roadside bays in Thanet cost 20p for 10
minutes parking and £2.40 for two hours. Due to their locations, Cecil
Square and Albert Terrace in Margate, Harbour Parade in Ramsgate and
Victoria Parade and Lawn Road will be slightly higher to try to deter
vehicles from blocking prime parking spots for too long. It is hoped
that this approach will encourage a higher turnover of parking, while
providing time for people to do their shopping.

Off street car parks will now fall into three categories:

1. Premium off street car parks in prime locations across the area,
charging 80p per hour up to four hours. To park for between five and 15
hours will cost £4.

2. Off street car parks, charging 50p per hour up to four hours.
Parking for between five and 15 hours at these car parks will cost
£2.50.

3. Off-street short stay car parks, where people can only park for a
maximum of four hours, at a charge of 80p per hour.

In addition, five car parks, Albion Street, Chandos Square and Joss Bay
in Broadstairs, Marina Esplanade in Ramsgate and St. Mildred’s Bay,
will have higher summer charges from the beginning of April to the end
of October.
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NEW CORPORATE PLAN APPROVED

A major new document setting out what the Council aims to achieve over
the next four years, was approved by Full Council last night (Thursday
19 April).

The Corporate Plan for 2012-16 sets out the council’s aims and
objectives for the next four years and contains eleven priorities which
will be supported by operational plans and reviewed on an annual basis.


Leader of the Council, Cllr. Clive Hart, said: “This plan sets out
our programme of eleven priorities for the next four years and the
outcomes we intend to deliver. We aim to improve the council and ensure
that the priority services identified by our residents will be delivered
efficiently, while ensuring we spend our limited budgets wisely.

“We’ve listened carefully to what local people have told us through
consultation, and it was clear that crime and anti-social behaviour and
clean streets are residents’ major priorities, which are contained in
the Corporate Plan. But this plan goes much further than that, aiming to
improve our economy to help get local people back to work, support
community and voluntary groups and get the best possible outcomes for
Thanet.

“All of the political parties have been fully involved with helping
to form this document, and this plan clearly sets out what residents can
expect from us over the next four years. Even though it’s a tough time
for the council, with funding being reduced, we’re still committed to
achieving as much as we can for the area with the resources we have.”
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Televising of the Courts – Parliamentary Opposition


North Thanet`s MP, Sir Roger Gale, has today (Wednesday 18thy April) returned to his attack on proposals to televise the law courts in the light of an experimental televising of a Judge`s sentencing in a Scottish court.

“I remain of the view” says Sir Roger “that this is potentially the thin end of a very undesirable wedge.  We are being led to believe that “all that will be shown” is some dry-as-dust legal procedures but we know from experience that it will not stop there.

This campaign, orchestrated by some Television Broadcasters, owes much more to Entertainment and sensationalism than it does to the claimed “promotion of democracy” and “access to justice”.

The Justice Secretary has already indicated, in response to my written parliamentary question, that no taxpayer`s money will be spent on this exercise.  That means that the funding will have to come either from the broadcasters, who will literally call the shots, or from commercial sponsors, which would be equally undesirable.

I have already been offered anecdotal evidence, from an American cameraman, of the way in which the presence of cameras in courts has changed justice in the USA and the experience of the Brevik trial in Norway, in which cameras have had to be removed from the courts, indicates the ease with which the media can be manipulated and grandstanding can take place.

I believe that in the interests of Justice this is a proposal that must be resisted now, before it is too late.” (ENDS)

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 A team of volunteers, who have helped welcome more than 20,000 visitors to Thanet, have been thanked for their fantastic contribution to tourism by Thanet District Council.

The 70 strong team, who provide a valuable tourist information service at the Information Kiosks in Broadstairs and at The Customs House in Ramsgate, were invited to the council’s Visitor Information Centre at the Droit House in Margate this week (Tuesday 17 April).  

The event, coordinated by the council’s Visitor Information team, was an opportunity to thank the volunteers for their hard work, to celebrate their achievements over the past 12 months and to share the latest information on upcoming events and attractions for visitors ahead of the new summer season.

The volunteers are the first point of contact for many people new to the area. They are on hand to provide a range of visitor information including accommodation requests, travel enquiries, as well as information on the districts attractions and events.

Many of the volunteers have also been trained up to become Visitor Ambassadors as part of the council’s ongoing Visitor Ambassador Scheme.

Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Iris Johnston, said: “The work of our volunteers has been fantastic and holding this event has been a great way to share our appreciation in person. It’s also been a good opportunity for the volunteers to meet with our Visitor Information Team and to share all of the latest tourism news, information and events.  With both the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Queens Jubilee to celebrate this year, it is vital that we continue to provide a strong visitor information presence across each of our towns. With what will arguably be one of our most important years for tourism, our volunteers will be an excellent way to ensure the thousands of visitors to Thanet receive the warmest possible welcome”.

Ray Irving, who lives and works as a volunteer in Broadstairs, has just completed his Visitor Ambassador training.  Ray said: “I’ve only been volunteering for three weeks but have already seen the benefits of being involved. As someone relatively new to the area it’s been a great way of becoming part of the Broadstairs community. Broadstairs is so unique, it’s a traditional seaside resort with gorgeous beaches nearby and there’s so much going on!”

Cherry Thompson, a volunteer at the Customs House in Ramsgate, said: “I used to teach English as a foreign language so thought volunteering to help out visitors would be ideal. We get asked all sorts of questions from where to buy fresh fish, to where the best place to take a one year old child is and someone also asked me how many places they could visit in Ramsgate in one hour! I’m really proud of what I do as a volunteer and of where I live. The amount of help and support we receive is great and makes me feel really confident about what I’m doing to promote the area”.


Roger Fennings, a volunteer at the Broadstairs Kiosk, said: “A key part of what I do is to communicate with visitors, and locals, just how much there is to do here, whatever the weather and for all ages! I’ve always fancied volunteering and now I have the time to spare it’s been a great way of sharing how proud I am to live here. There’s so much going on, we’ve got great places to explore, eat, drink and shop and I’m here to help to point people in the right direction!”



Notes 

Broadstairs Information Kiosk
  • This is an initiative managed by Thanet District Council, Broadstairs Tourism and Leisure Association, Shepherd Neame’s Royal Albion Hotel, Broadstairs & St Peters Chamber of Commerce and Broadstairs & St Peter’s Town Council.
  • The Information Kiosk itself is managed by Barbara Wallace, who has recruited a team of 50 volunteers to ensure that the kiosk is open seven days a week.
  • In the first year of opening, for 2011, they assisted over 12,700 visitors and since reopening on 31st March this year, have assisted another 1000 visitors so far.

BRIK  - Lillyputt Mini Golf Broadstairs
  • The BRIK work in partnership with Lillyputt Mini Golf to provide helpful information to Broadstairs’ visitors.
  • The BRIK also supports Broadstairs Bandstand in offering advice and information to visitors.
  • The BRIK has a dedicated team of 10 volunteers which is led by Ken Wilson.
  • It’s currently in its fourth year of operation and is open at weekends during the Winter season (weather depending) and aims to be open seven days a week throughout late Spring, Summer and much of Autumn.

Ramsgate Visitor Information Centre – Customs House
  • This is an initiative supported and funded by Ramsgate Town Council.
  • The dedicated team of volunteers, who run the Information Centre, is managed by Ralph Hoult, who has organised for the team to be on hand to help visitors seven days a week.
  • The Information Centre assisted with approximately 10,000 visitors over the last year.

Thanet District Council’s role
  • The council has provided Ramsgate VIC and the Information Kiosk at Broadstairs with a state-of-the art touch-screen kiosk that lists up-to-date visitor information such as events listings, maps and accommodation and attraction information.
  • The council has also provided display racks and signage to each outlet and ensures that essential information such as visitor guides and maps are supplied to the teams on a weekly basis. TDC hold regular monthly meetings with each team to check progress and to offer further support.



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The Minnis announces photo competition

Beach babes, glamorous grans, watersports, 6-packs sandcastles and sunsets . . . The Minnis Bar and Restaurant, which over looks Minnis bay in n Birchington, Kent is to run a photographic competition that will run from April throughout the summer. The competition is open to anyone who visits the Bay. Leading entries will be displayed on The Minnis website www.theminnis.co.uk and monthly winners will receive a free meal for two. An over all winner, to be announced in October will receive a meal for four. “The competition to capture the Minnis Bay open to everyone, professional and amateur photographers alike,” explains The Minnis chef-patron Jason Freedman, “There are no categories and the Bay offers numerous photographic opportunities – wind surfers, beach babes, rows of beach huts, hunks with six-packs, glamorous grans, gorgeous grandpas, sunsets, family scenes, children with ice creams and sandcastles.” Artist JMW Turner, who now has the new Turner Contemporary in nearby Margate dedicated to him described the north facing skies over Thanet with "dawn clouds to the east and glorious sunsets to the west” as “the loveliest skies in Europe”. The beachfront Minnis Bar & Restaurant overlooks the golden sands of Minnis Bay in Birchington, with coastal views towards the ruins of the Roman fort at Reculver. The competition is open now and will run until 30th September. The Minnis, which has long been popular with families, has a take-away service for those who wish to have their lunch on the beach and operates a kiosk selling beach toys, inflatables and boats, snacks, seafood and an ice creams in the summer months. The competition is open now and will run until 30th September. It is free to enter and no purchase is necessary. Entrants simply email their photos to: jasons.freedman@gmail.com
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Wednesday, 18 April 2012

TDC Conservative Group to vote against debating same sex marriage motion

The Conservative Group at Thanet District Council will vote against debating the same sex marriage motion at Thursday night’s Council meeting.

Group leader, Cllr Bob Bayford explained: “The consultation document from the Government could not be clearer.  It states that ‘this consultation is about how we best remove the ban on same sex couples having a civil marriage, not on whether this should or should not happen.’

“We believe, when family budgets are tight and council services stretched, that there are far more pressing issues for Thanet District Council to be considering.

“This motion is brought about by two independent councillors who are imposing their own agendas on a hung council.  The weak, minority Labour administration is allowing itself to be held to ransom by these councillors in order to cling to power.”

Should Council vote in favour of the debate, the Conservative Group will allow a free vote on the main motion.
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Monday, 16 April 2012

Turner Contemporary announces £13.8 million impact on Kent economy in first 12 months of operation

Turner Contemporary announces £13.8 million impact on Kent economy in first 12 months of operation
Turner Contemporary reaches its first birthday today 16 April 2012, 496,554 visitors have passed through the doors, more than treble what was predicted for the first year of operation.
Now a new report shows that Turner Contemporary has generated an additional £13.8m of value for the Kent economy and supports an estimated 130 (FTE) jobs in the county.
Victoria Pomery, Director Turner Contemporary said:
‘The past 12 months have been truly spectacular for Turner Contemporary. We have been absolutely delighted by the number of visitors, and their response to the gallery and our exhibitions. This report highlights the positive impact these visitors have had on the local economy in terms of additional tourism income and in supporting jobs.
The gallery has also had a huge social impact. We were delighted that over 20,000 people had participated in our Learning Programme, over 35,000 more children visited with their families, and around 20,000 of our visitors said that they had never been to an art gallery before.
We are now very excited about our 2012/13 programme which promises to be every bit as impactful.'
The new gallery for Turner Contemporary was created by Kent County Council who is the major funder and continues to support the gallery. Partner agencies who have also provided funding are SEEDA (£4 million) and Arts Council England (£4.1 million). Thanet District Council provided the land.
Mike Hill, Kent County Council Cabinet member for Customer and Communities said:
‘We are tremendously proud of the success of Turner Contemporary. We were determined to keep to our promise and build a landmark building which would boost the area and be a catalyst for regenerating East Kent. It has created jobs, encouraged new businesses to the town and will go on to be a lasting legacy to driving the development of the county and the south east.’
Sally Abbott, Regional Director, Arts Council England, said:
‘Our congratulations go out to Turner Contemporary as they reach their first anniversary in their new gallery.
We are proud to have Turner Contemporary as one of our National Portfolio Organisations and will continue to support the development of their ambitious artistic and learning programme as part of our wider investment in Kent.
Turner Contemporary’s success in the past year has gone to show that art is integral to local life in Kent and vital to Margate’s regeneration - with long lasting benefits for the community and local economy. Great art enriches lives, and Turner Contemporary is helping more people experience and be inspired by the arts both regionally, nationally and internationally.’
Turner Contemporary is pleased to announce their second year programme of exhibitions:
She Lay Down Deep Beneath the Sea: Tracey Emin at Turner Contemporary (26 May - 23 September 2012)
Alex Katz: Give Me Tomorrow (6 October 2012 - 13 January 2013)
Carl Andre (26 January - 25 May 2013)
Rosa Barba: The Truth is Rarely Pure and Never Simple (2 February - 6 May 2013).
In addition to the exhibitions, Turner Contemporary has commissioned leading contemporary artists Lindsay Seers, Mark Wallinger (7 July - 6 August 2012) and John Smith (1 - 17 June 2012) to create new site-specific works on show throughout the summer at Turner Contemporary. Also on show a new Sunley Gallery commission by Brazilian artist Maria Nepomuceno: Tiempo para Respirar (14 September 2012 - 24 March 2013).
Funders
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There’s no such thing as a dog poo fairy New campaign to rid our streets of dogs’ mess

A new campaign aimed to clean up the streets of Thanet from dogs’ mess has been launched today by Thanet District Council.  

The campaign, ‘There’s no such thing as a dog poo fairy’, reminds dog owners that they are responsible for their dogs’ mess and not to leave it for others to clean up. 

It also aims to make sure dog owners know that they can put their dog poo bags in any rubbish bin, if a dog poo bin isn’t available.  

As part of the campaign, the council’s Community Enforcement team and dog wardens will be taking a zero tolerance approach and offenders face a fixed penalty fine of £80 or a maximum penalty of £1,000.

Cllr. Alan Poole, Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services, said: ‘This campaign is all about keeping our streets, parks and open spaces of dogs’ mess as it makes our streets and open spaces unsightly.   

“We know that most dog owners do clean up after their dogs but this campaign aims to target those few dog owners who don’t clean up after their dog and blight the area for everyone else. 

“This campaign aims to highlight that no-one else will pick it up as it’s your responsibility and leaving it for others is just not acceptable. We need residents to help us keep Thanet clean and the campaign aims to encourage residents to report any dog owners that are not clearing up after their dog.

“We receive numerous complaints every year about dogs’ mess in public areas and we will take action against those dog owners that don’t clear up after their dog. We all need to look after the areas that we live in, and as it’s one of our residents’ top priorities, this campaign aims to stop irresponsible dog owners and make them change their ways! 

There are more than 290 dog poo bins located across Thanet in parks, open grass and foreshore areas and the council collects more than one tonne of dogs’ mess daily. 

The council also has a small machine, Fido that is used to hoover up dogs’ mess from all surfaces including grass. The equipment also sprays disinfectant onto the immediate area at the time of removal.  Annually, the machine is expected to pick up and remove more than 20 tonnes of dogs’ poo.  

Posters, leaflets and flyers with the campaign message, ‘There’s no such thing as a dog poo fairy’ will be advertised across Thanet and residents can download the poster at www.thanet.gov.uk/dogpoofairy

Visit www.thanet.gov.uk/dogpoofairy for more information about the campaign. 

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Saturday, 14 April 2012

EQUAL MARRIAGE IN THANET

This a Thanet Watch report of the meeting held in Margate on April 12th about equal marriage.


Film from the meeting last Thursday
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Friday, 13 April 2012

RAMSGATE MARITIME MUSEUM TO OPEN


Ramsgate’s Maritime Museum is set to re-open to the public in time for the May Day bank holiday weekend.

The museum was first opened over 25 years ago and prior to being closed down in 2008 by the East Kent Maritime trust, had become a well established, nationally recognised community asset, housed in the landmark grade 2 star, listed Clock House building in the Pier Yard. In it’s prominent position at the Royal Harbour , it was visited and much appreciated by many local residents and visitors to the town. This included students and tourists from across the world, as the museum visitor’s book would testify.

In February 2008 a petition signed by almost a thousand local residents called on Thanet District Council to “Save our Maritime Museum”, demonstrating their concern regarding the closure and possible disposal of the valuable collection of maritime artefacts. This petition was noted and then completely disregarded by the Conservative administration of the time and the listed building has remained closed up and forlorn since 2009, with both the fabric of the building and it’s collection at risk, due to damp, rot and vandalism.      
 
Labour TDC Leader Cllr Clive Hart said "I'm delighted members of the public will soon be able to view the artefacts again, with displays and information that details the work, courage and sacrifice of our maritime nation’s seafarers. This includes the 18th century jack tars of Nelson’s navy aboard the HMS Stirling Castle sunk on the Goodwins, the brave 19th century Ramsgate Lifeboat men and the 20th century servicemen during world war 2, at Dunkirk and in the Royal Navy coastal forces based at Pleasurama. From “England Expects” to the “Dunkirk Spirit”, they all deserve to be remembered and honoured by both the people of today and future generations".
 

Photo Cllr. Clive Hart, TDC Leader, hands the keys of the museum to Mr. Michael List Brain, Chairman of the Steam Museum Trust, who will now operate the museum, following the signing of a 25 year lease for the Clock House and Smeaton dock.
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Ramsgate Maritime Museum to re-open 

A new lease has been signed today (Friday 13 April), between Thanet
District Council and the Steam Museum Trust, which will see the Maritime
Museum in Ramsgate re-open in May.

The new agreement includes a proposed lease and memorandum of agreement
which covers the Clock House, Smeaton’s Dry Dock, unit 30 Military
Road and related ancillary facilities at Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour.

The terms of the agreement have transferred responsibility for the
repair and maintenance of the Clock House and Smeaton’s Dry Dock from
the local taxpayer to the Steam Museum Trust and have also secured
repair and renovation works to the Clock House within the first eight
years of the lease. 

The lease has been signed following a decision notice from Thanet
Council Leader Clive Hart, which instructs council officers to enter
into a lease and memorandum of agreement with the Steam Museum Trust and
to monitor the first year of operation of the Ramsgate Maritime Museum.

Cllr. Clive Hart, said: "I'm delighted that members of the public will
soon be able to view the artefacts in the Maritime Museum again. Moving
quickly on this matter has been absolutely essential to ensure the
museum has every opportunity to open in time for the May bank holiday
weekend and to prevent the permanent loss of such an important community
asset for Ramsgate.  Signing this agreement now means that such a
significant collection of maritime related historic and cultural
artefacts will remain in the same place.

Members of the public will be able once again to enjoy the displays and
information that detail the work, courage and sacrifice of our maritime
nation’s seafarers.  This includes the 18th century jack tars of
Nelson’s navy aboard the HMS Stirling Castle sunk on the Goodwins, the
brave 19th century Ramsgate Lifeboat men and the 20th century servicemen
during World War II. From ‘England Expects’ to the ‘Dunkirk
Spirit’, they all deserve to be remembered and honoured by both the
people of today and future generations".

Chairman of the Steam Museum Trust, Michael List Brain, said: “This
is the culmination of some six years of negotiations with the council,
which I’m really pleased has now been brought to such a satisfactory
conclusion. We are confident that the Ramsgate Maritime Museum will in
time become a centre of excellence and a substantial visitor attraction
for the region”.

Signing the lease today has also ensured that the Dunkirk Little Ship,
Sundowner, will now be able to represent Thanet in the Queen’s Diamond
Jubilee Pageant being held on the River Thames on 2 June 2012.

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EMPLOYEE’S CHARITY DONATION


A council employee has donated £750 to the Kent Air Ambulance.

The payment was initially given to Mark Emery, Operational Support Manager for EK Services as a thank you payment after agreeing to speak at a conference in Manchester.

Mark was asked to nominate a charity for the payment to be donated to and he chose Kent Air Ambulance.

He said: “I was pleased to be asked to speak at Civica’s Conference in Manchester as it gives us great recognition for the work that has been carried out in developing the shared services.

"I chose to donate the money to the Kent Air Ambulance in recognition of the excellent work they do across the whole of Kent. They do not receive government funding so private donations are essential to keep this life saving service flying."

The conference was about ‘Delivering efficiencies through shared services’, and Mark was asked to speak about best practice for shared services, as Thanet District Council now shares its Income and Payment, Customer Services, IT and HR with three other east Kent councils.

Adrian Bell, Chief Executive of Kent Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance, said: "We are very grateful to Mark for his extremely generous and very thoughtful donation and really delighted that he chose to recognise the work we do in such a fashion.

“Ours is a charity that is dedicated to saving lives and every penny we get contributes towards improving the life chances of all those people who need our help.”

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