PROTEST CALLED AGAINST BROADSTAIRS HEALTH CRISIS

Angry patients are planning a protest outside Broadstairs Health Centre at 2pm on Tuesday June 19

The protest comes after it was revealed that the centre currently has no full time GPs to serve over 7,000 patients.

The protest has been called by Save Our Health Service, a new campaigning group, which has been formed to safeguard health services in Thanet.

Local film-maker, Christine Tongue, who is a patient with the practice, says the protest comes following the centre’s takeover by Concordia Health Ltd, a private company who own a string of practices in London and one in Dover.

“Two popular GPs left following the coming of Concordia. But Concordia assured us that the level of care would not be affected and that in fact the level of service would be improved.

“Now we discover we have no full time GPs and the practice manager has resigned. And there are ongoing difficulties in making appointments.

“We’ve been told that two new GPs have been appointed but are working out their notice in other practices. But the two GPs which Concordia previously recruited both left within months of joining the practice. Who’s to say these new GPs won’t leave very soon, too?

“There is something very wrong going on with Concordia and we need explanations about what’s happening there.

The Save Our Health Service group claims the problems with Concordia isn’t just an issue for its current patients, but for Thanet as a whole. Christine said: “The government’s new legislation means that it’s likely that companies like Concordia will become more and more involved with the provision of health services in Thanet. It’s important we confront these sorts of problems now or face much bigger problems in the future.”

Christine added: “Anyone who’s worried about our health service is welcome to join us at the protest at 2pm on Tuesday.” 

More information from Christine Tongue on 01843 604 253.

Equalities motion from Thanet Independent Group.

Ed. Sorry I only have the image of the document, if I get time I will type it out, unlikely on a Friday.

THANET’S MOMENT TO SHINE FOR THE TORCH RELAY

Line the streets, get there early, stand on the left and stay local is the advice that Thanet District Council is giving residents ahead of the Torch Relay arriving.
Thursday 19 July is the date that Thanet will be welcoming the flame through the streets on its way to London for the opening ceremony of the Games a few days later.
Details of the route are available on the Thanet District Council website, along with the timings for the relay and lots of other useful information:
www.thanet.gov.uk/london2012 
The Torch is expected to arrive in Cliffsend at 09:47, before moving onto St Lawrence, Ramsgate, Broadstairs, St Peter’s, Cliftonville, Margate, Westgate and finishing in Birchington at approximately 14:36pm. Thanet has the Torch Relay for longer than any other district in Kent and the Flame will be carried by a total of 75 Torchbearers overall.
Sponsored vehicles handing out freebies, mementos and souvenirs will come along the route around 15 minutes before the Torch Relay itself arrives. The Relay is likely to take around 15 minutes to go past and will travel on the left hand side of each road it runs on. Traffic will be delayed behind it, but the right-hand side of each road will remain open to ensure traffic still flows, albeit slower than usual.
As rolling road closures will be in place on the day, people are encouraged to walk to see the Flame and line the streets as it goes past, rather than attempt to drive to a specific area.
 Madeline Homer, Director of Community Services, Thanet District Council said: “The Torch Relay coming through Thanet is a wonderful event for our area and one which we hope everyone will get behind, support and celebrate. It will give everyone the opportunity to be a part of the Games, just by coming out, lining the streets and cheering it on as it passes.
“Whilst this is a great opportunity for the area and it will be an exciting day for many, we are aware that for others it may cause some disruption. The council will issue relevant information to both residents and the business community and offer support where possible to deal with any difficulties the day may bring them. We will ensure people receive and are signposted to as much information as possible to help everyone to enjoy this once in a lifetime event.”
Signage regarding parking and suspended bays will be in place prior to the event. Vehicles parked along the route will not need to be moved, unless they are in one of the suspended parking bays. Vehicles remaining in the bays past the time given on the nearby signage will be towed and the owner left liable for the cost of recovery.
Schools will be playing a major part in the celebrations and school children around the district will be out to line the streets and cheer on the Relay.
Residents and businesses can take advantage of pre-prepared posters, invites and celebration packs to help them draw attention to their event, no matter how big or small, or just add some decoration to the route.
The materials can be downloaded and printed or emailed to guests letting them know about your event. You don’t have to design them or create them – just print and put them up.
Just go onto the Thanet District Council Torch Relay web page and click onto the ‘Local Leaders’ link, to find all the information you will need.
www.thanet.gov.uk/london2012 
There is also information to help you plant a patriotic garden and host a quiz night, including questions and guidance on how to run a successful event. Again, all materials are ready for immediate use.
 Expected timings of the Torch Relay through Thanet:
Cliffsend - 09:47am
St Lawrence - 09:57am
Ramsgate – 10:13am
Broadstairs -10:44am
St Peter’s – 11:38am
Cliftonville – 11:55am
Margate – 12:22pm
Westgate – 13:03pm
Birchington – 14:36pm
*These timings may be subject to some change on the day.
 Useful websites:
Information for businesses: http://www.london2012.com/business/
Information for residents: http://www.london2012.com/local-residents/
TDC Torch Relay main page: http://www.thanet.gov.uk/london2012

MARGATE TO FEATURE IN NATIONAL BBC DRAMA

The television spotlight is set to fall upon Thanet this weekend, as the BBC broadcasts a major drama that has been filmed entirely on location in the area. 

 ‘True Love’ has been written and directed by award-winning Dominic Savage, and features a star-studded cast of British acting talent, including David Tennant, Billie Piper, Jane Horrocks, Ashley Walters and David Morrisey. 

 The drama will be broadcast on BBC One from Sunday 17 June to Wednesday 20 June, and features overlapping stories, as the main characters grapple with the contradictions and conflicts of love.


Set in Margate, True Love was filmed from mid-August to October last year, and involved close co-operation between Thanet District Council and the BBC from the start.


The council’s Communications Department manages requests for filming on council-owned property, working closely with production companies to ensure filming runs smoothly with minimal disruption.


Thanks to some productive meetings, the True Love team was able to receive valuable help in ensuring that their filming was a success.


Margate landmarks that feature in True Love include the council’s Cecil Street offices, Turner Contemporary, the town’s Hawley Square, and Margate main sands. 


The filmmakers also took action shots at Charles Dickens School in Broadstairs, the Pegwell Bay Hotel, Ramsgate, and Westwood Cross shopping centre.


Once all the filming was complete, the producer of True Love, Guy Heeley, contacted the council’s Communications team and said: “Thank you to you and your colleagues for welcoming us and helping to make things run so smoothly over the last six weeks.”


The councils’ Business Services Manager, Sarah Carroll, said: “Dominic Savage is an internationally-recognised writer and director, and it’s wonderful that he picked his birth town of Margate to be the main location for True Love.


She added: “For many filmmakers and producers, Thanet is a first-choice location for television adverts or major productions. Dramas such as True Love enable Thanet’s beautiful locations to be broadcast into the homes of millions of television and internet viewers as well as boosting our local economy.


“I hope that local people tune in to True Love and feel proud that their area has attracted such a sparkling array of talent, and also feel proud that Thanet is firmly on the national broadcast map.” 


Picture © BBC

RESTRICTION ON THANET’S BEACHES LIFTED TODAY (TUESDAY 12 JUNE)

Blue Flags will be raised once again on Thanet’s award winning beaches as a precautionary ban on bathing is lifted with immediate effect (Tuesday 12 June).

This decision follows assurances from Southern Water about the operation of their sewage pumping station at Foreness Point.

Results from tests undertaken by the Environment Agency also confirm that water quality has now returned to safe levels to allow bathing in the sea and to re-open access to below the high tide line.

Signage across Thanet’s beaches will be removed throughout the day and will be replaced to advise beach users that the ban has been lifted and to contact Southern Water on 0845 2780845 to report any further incidents.

Local businesses or beach concessions affected by the bathing ban are also advised to contact Southern Water directly to discuss any concerns.

Council cleansing teams will continue to monitor the coastline along with Southern Water to ensure the bays are kept clean of any further debris. Southern Water will also be removing seaweed from the bays as part of this major clean-up operation.

The council’s Director of Operations, Mark Seed, said: “The lifting on of the bathing ban is excellent news, and I’m pleased that we’ve made such rapid progress this week.

“As an area that thrives on tourism, preventing people from swimming in the sea off our coast is something we would rather avoid. However we have a duty of care to members of the public, and couldn’t lift the bathing ban until we received assurances from the Environment Agency and Southern Water.

“Naturally, we’ll continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis, but we feel confident that this matter is drawing to a positive conclusion. Once again, I’d like to thank all those involved in the clean-up operation – their work has been incredible. I’d also like to thank members of the public for their on-going patience, understanding, and co-operation.” 

Members of the Cabinet and senior council officers have been given a number of assurances in relation to the management of the sewage pumping station and future communication with the council. This was following an urgent meeting called by the council last week (Friday 6 June) with senior officials from Southern Water. This will be monitored by the council on an on-going basis.

For further information please visit www.thanet.gov.uk to view our Frequently Asked Questions.

BATHING BAN REMAINS IN PLACE TODAY (Monday 11 June)

Restrictions preventing beach users from bathing in the sea, and walking below the high tide line, remain in place today (Monday 11 June).

Officers from Thanet District Council have been working round the clock, in partnership with Southern Water and the Environment Agency, in a bid to lift the local bathing ban, with cleansing teams working relentlessly over the weekend to remove any further debris from the beaches.

The majority of sewage has now been cleared, however the coastline will continue to be monitored.

Initial tests carried out by the Environment Agency continue to indicate that the water quality around Thanet’s coast is improving, however a decision to lift the ban on bathing will not be taken until the results of all water quality tests carried out are confirmed.

The restrictions will also remain in place until firm assurances have been provided by Southern Water that all issues with the sewage pumping station at Foreness Point have been fully resolved.

As part of this, Members and senior officers from Thanet District Council met with representatives from Southern Water and the Environment Agency on Friday (8 June) to seek reassurance that the identified problems could be dealt with as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Although the public are being advised to stay out of the sea all beaches and promenades remain open for access and beach concessions are open for business as usual.

The council’s Director of Operations, Mark Seed, said: “The safety of beach users is our priority and our work is dedicated to ensuring that no one has their health or wellbeing compromised.

“By working closely with Southern Water and the Environment Agency, we hope to draw this matter to a swift conclusion. We’re pleased with the initial water quality tests, and the hard work of our beach cleaning teams has been amazing.  But the bathing ban remains in place until we’re totally satisfied that we have no more outstanding concerns.”

Members of the public are advised if they wish to report a pollution incident to call the Environment Agency 24 hour emergency line on 0800 807060.

DIGITAL SWITCHOVER

Switchover Begins- Thanet Residents Face the Greatest Challenges in Accessing Good TV Coverage in the Meridian Area.

Following two years of strong campaigning for improved TV reception and greater support for Thanet in the Digital Switchover, Laura Sandys MP is urging all residents in the area- the most vulnerable in the Meridian region- to ensure that they are ready for digital switchover which will finally begin on Wednesday next week (13^th June).

Laura said: “There has been such a long build-up to Switchover and whilst much has been done to publicise it, I have spoken with lots of people who didn’t know that it was happening at all or just didn’t realise that it was finally starting next week. If you are already watching Freeview, you will need to retune your TV on Wednesday 13^th June and again on Wednesday 27^th June. Anyone who is watching analogue will need to convert their TV using a Freeview box as this signal will be switched off very shortly. Those watching Satellite meanwhile need not worry at all.

There is still support available for older or disabled constituents through the Switchover Help Scheme- any local residents who think they might be eligible should telephone 0800 40 85 900 for more information. One-to-one general support will also be available on the two Switchover days in the form of a Digital UK drop-in advice clinic outside Tesco in Broadstairs.

“I have long been campaigning for better reception and even raised our particular problems in a Parliamentary debate. I have met with the Minister responsible on several occasions to discuss this and he pledged to ensure that everything is done to support us locally. I have also had lots of assurances that signal will dramatically improve for the majority of Thanet.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sending out some helpful information on Switchover as well as asking for your opinion on whether the signal has improved. If you would like to receive these updates please email me at: laura.sandys.mp@parliament.uk. I would also ask all local residents to be in touch with me if they experience any problems either during Switchover or with their signal post-Switchover. I am on-hand and at the ready should there be any issues whatsoever.”

-      More information on retuning your TV can be found at: www.digitaluk.co.uk/retuning

-      Digital UK will be offering support outside Tesco on the High Street in Broadstairs between 9am-5pm on 13-14 and 27-28 June.  

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.	Address	Status
08 Jun 2012	F/TH/12/0423	17 LINDEN AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT101HR	current
08 Jun 2012	F/TH/12/0430	12 HOLLY LANE MARGATE CT93NA	current
06 Jun 2012	F/TH/12/0355	104 PARK AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT102EZ	current
06 Jun 2012	F/TH/12/0393	94 SOUTHWOOD ROAD RAMSGATE CT110AW	current
01 Jun 2012	A/TH/12/0414	DOLLOND & AITCHISON 116 HIGH STREET MARGATE CT91JW	current
01 Jun 2012	F/TH/12/0398	DEEPDENE NORTH FORELAND AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT103QT	current
01 Jun 2012	L/TH/12/0412	WINTER GARDENS FORT CRESCENT MARGATE CT91HX	current
31 May 2012	F/TH/12/0376	BAY HOUSE CLIFF ROAD BIRCHINGTON CT79LS	current
31 May 2012	F/TH/12/0374	20 SEACROFT ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT101SJ	current
30 May 2012	F/TH/12/0408	BALTIMORE DAY NURSERY 19 WESTCLIFF GARDENS MARGATE CT95DT	current
29 May 2012	F/TH/12/0411	75 KING EDWARD ROAD BIRCHINGTON CT70EG	current
29 May 2012	F/TH/12/0305	TOTAL SUPPLIES 1 SOWELL STREET BROADSTAIRS CT102AT	current
29 May 2012	L/TH/12/0399	58 GROSVENOR PLACE MARGATE CT91UW	current
29 May 2012	F/TH/12/0407	54 WESTBROOK AVENUE MARGATE CT95HB	current
29 May 2012	F/TH/12/0366	10 PYSONS ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT12 6TR	current
28 May 2012	F/TH/12/0368	231 CANTERBURY ROAD BIRCHINGTON CT79TB	current
25 May 2012	F/TH/12/0243	145 CANTERBURY ROAD MARGATE CT95BD	current
24 May 2012	F/TH/12/0386	135 NORTHWOOD ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT102LU	current
24 May 2012	F/TH/12/0291	77 CARLTON AVENUE, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 1BB	current
24 May 2012	F/TH/12/0373	34-40 HARBOUR STREET, RAMSGATE	current
24 May 2012	F/TH/12/0111	SITE OFFICE, FOXHUNTER RESIDENTIAL CARAVAN PARK, MONKTON STREET, RAMSGATE, CT12 4JG	current

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

New documents published by Thanet District Council,

• 12/06/2012 - Meeting scheduled: Tuesday, 12th June, 2012 10.00 am, Licensing Sub Committee
• 06/06/2012 - Minutes published: Meeting of Thursday, 24th May, 2012 7.00 pm, Council
• 01/06/2012 - Agenda published: Meeting of Tuesday, 12th June, 2012 10.00 am, Licensing Sub Committee
• 30/05/2012 - Minutes published: Meeting of Wednesday, 16th May, 2012 7.00 pm, Planning Committee
• 29/05/2012 - Meeting held: Tuesday, 29th May, 2012 7.00 pm, Overview and Scrutiny Panel
• 28/05/2012 - Minutes published: Meeting of Thursday, 17th May, 2012 7.00 pm, Council
• 28/05/2012 - Library item published: Constitution for Governance of Thanet District Council October 2011

Thanet District Council licensing applications,

Applications received under the 2003 Licensing Act

The table below shows details of applications made under the Licensing Act 2003

(Applications from 25 April 2012)

Name of Applicant / Club	Address of Premises / Club	Nature of application. New or variation	Proposed licensable activities / or proposed variation	Date by which representations may be made (no less than 28 days after date received)
Chief Superintendent of Police	The Westcoast 3-5 King Street, Margate CT9 1DD	Review of premises licence	Brought by Police, prevention of crime and disorder	21st June 2012
Chief Superintendent of Police	The Ruby Lounge The Parade, Margate CT9 1EZ	Review of premises licence	Brought by Police, prevention of crime and disorder and public safety	21st June 2012
Chief Superintendent of Police	The Belgian Cafe 98 Harbour Parade, Ramsgate CT11 8LP	Review of premises licence	Brought by Police, prevention of crime and disorder	21st June 2012
Chief Superintendent of Police	Londis 5 High Street, Broadstairs CT10 1LP	Review of premises licence	Brought by Police, prevention of crime and disorder and protection of children from harm	21st June 2012
Mrs Sharron Cove	T Stall, Old Town, Market Place, Margate CT9 1ES	New premises licence application	Supply of alcohol	6th July 2012

WELFARE REFORM

THANET LABOUR GROUP has grave concerns about the Welfare Reform Act and Universal Credit system this Tory led Government wants to implement.

WHO WILL BE AFFECTED?
By the time the new system is fully in place, 2017, it will affect 19 million people and particularly:

-      pensioners
-      disabled people
-      people on long-term sickness
-      families on low income and their children
-      people living in rented accommodation
-      unemployed people
-      single parents

Do any of these people choose to be in that situation? Of course not! But they should all be treated with fairness and respect.

The Labour Group on Thanet District Council is also worried that many questions still remain such as:

-      how and where will someone apply locally?
-      what documents will they need and where will they take them locally?
-      If and where will there be a ‘Universal Credit’ office?
-      how does someone get face to face advice and help if they have a problem?

People will be expected to apply on-line or through a call centre.

UNIVERSAL CREDIT will be paid MONTHLY, IN ARREARS, TO ONE MEMBER OF THE HOUSEHOLD.

If anything goes wrong with the claim, a whole family could be without any income for a whole month!

COUNCIL TAX BENEFIT

Local councils are also being placed in the difficult situation by this Tory-led government of having to produce a localised Council Tax Benefit scheme but with less money to pay for it. The LABOUR administration at Thanet District Council will try to minimise the impact of the overall 10% cut in funding imposed BY THIS GOVERNMENT on Thanet residents who currently receive Council Tax Benefit.

LOCAL LABOUR COUNCILLORS will do everything we can to defend the Welfare State as a symbol of a just and civilised society that looks after people who find themselves in a difficult situation through no choice of their own. 

We will be available to help and discuss any benefit problems residents in our wards may have.

 

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

 

BRITAIN'S No.1 COMING TO BROADSTAIRS

8,000 Inspirational people will carry the Olympic Flame on its journey across the UK.

 

On the 19th July the Olympic Flame continues its journey around the UK by passing through Thanet.

 

It will pass through Broadstairs and St Peters and continuing with the theme of the flame being carried by Olympic hopefuls it will be carried by Elena Baltacha, Britain's No1 Ladies Tennis Player.

 

Elena says it is such an amazing honour that it is hard to put into words.

 

Broadstairs town councillor Gordon Edwards said "It will be a great day for all concerned so lets make sure Broadstairs and St Peters plays its part by giving the torch and its bearers a great welcome".

 

 

 

 

Published for Cllr Edwards by Thanet Labour Press Office - 44 Northdown Road, Margate, Kent, CT9 2RW.

BATHING BAN REMAINS IN PLACE FOR THE WEEKEND

Restrictions advising members of the public to stay out of the sea, and
to avoid walking below the high tide line across all Thanet beaches,
will remain in place this weekend (Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 June).

Red flags will remain in place on all RNLI lifeguarded beaches and over
200 signs and notices have now been displayed across the district’s
bays to ensure that beach users are aware.

Thanet District Council is working closely with the Environment Agency
to monitor water quality tests which will then be used to help determine
when it is safe to lift the restriction on bathing in the sea.

Although initial results have indicated that the situation is
improving, a decision to lift the ban on bathing will not be taken until
all results to water quality tests carried out this week are revealed. 

The council will also continue to monitor the coastline to ensure the
bays are free from debris and will be seeking assurance from Southern
Water that the sewage pumping station is in full working order as part
of its decision.

Although the public are advised to stay out of the sea, and above the
high tide line, all beaches and promenades remain open for access and
beach concessions are open for business as usual.

Members of the public are advised if they wish to report a pollution
incident to call the Environment Agency 24 hour emergency line on 0800
807060.

A further update will be published on Monday 11 June.

COUNCIL OPTS FOR SOLAR POWER

Power-generating solar panels are set to be installed on the roof of
Thanet District Council’s main Cecil Street offices.

Work on the installation of the state-of-the-art panels will start on
Monday 11 June, and the project will be completed by Saturday 16 June.
And once they start to absorb sunlight, the photovoltaic (PV) panels
will bring immediate eco-friendly benefits. 

Using the sustainable energy source, the council’s main offices will
have a substantially reduced electricity bill, with up to 40 per cent of
daytime electricity being supplied by the panels. 

Additional income will also be supplied to the council through a
‘feed-in’ tariff – money paid by the government to businesses,
schools and organisations to generate their own electricity.

The council is investing £66,000 in the project, but after an initial
payback period of six years, the solar panels will generate income for
19 years – representing a significant saving in the age of increasing
energy prices. 

The council’s Director of Operations, Mark Seed said: “Investing in
sustainable energy makes great sense, both environmentally and
financially. So when the council looked at the proposal to generate
electricity in Cecil Street through solar panels, we were very excited
about the idea. 

“One of the council’s key Corporate Plan objectives is to lead by
example on environmental matters, and the solar panel initiative is a
tangible example of our commitment. 

“Benefits of this project will be almost immediate. And that’s good
news for the local Council Tax- payers and the environment.”

24 May 2012 Extraordinary Council meeting webcast

Here is the link to the webcast of the meeting http://www.thanet.gov.uk/council_meeting_webcast.aspx if anyone wants it I will add the video download link later if anyone wants it.  

PROPERTY OWNER PROSECUTED BY COUNCI

Thanet District Council has successfully prosecuted a Margate man for
failing to adhere to legislation relating to the maintenance of his
property. 

Alan Newington of Beresford Gardens, Cliftonville, appeared before
Dover Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 31 May. He was found guilty of
the non-compliance with a section 215 notice of the Town and Country
Planning Act concerning his run-down and semi-derelict property. 

Mr Newington – who pleaded not guilty – was fined £250 with costs
of £390.71 and a victim surcharge of £15. 

The notice was served upon Mr Newington because of the adverse effect
his property was having on the local amenity. He has been advised that
the notice must be complied with, or further proceedings will be
instigated by the council. 

The council’s Principal Enforcement Officer, Steve Albon, said: “If
enforcement notices are not complied with, the council will seek to
prosecute. 

“In this particular case, the property was having a negative impact
on the local environment, and the council had a duty to act. We’re
pleased with the outcome of the court case and will pursue all similar
cases vigorously.” 

Seaside Sewage Spill Scrutinized

Thanet Independent Group Councillor, Ian Driver, is organising  an urgent enquiry into the  spillage of raw sewage in the sea off  Foreness Point over the Royal Jubliee Bank Holiday  weekend

The spillage from a Southern Water sewage facility, has led to the closure of all of Thanet ‘s award winning blue flag beaches, causing financial losses for  local business.

Driver, who Chair’s the Council’s powerful  Scrutiny Panel  (OSP) said “I have asked Council officers to arrange an urgent meeting of the Scrutiny Panel to begin investigations into what went wrong and why.”

“I will be requesting the attendance  of  top  bosses  from Southern Water and  the  Environment Agency.  I expect them to  provide a full explanation of how this major pollution  incident happened and what arrangements are in place to compensate local businesses who lost money because of the spillage.

 “Thanet has some of the best beaches in the country. They are critical to attracting tourists who make a huge and much needed contribution to Thanet’s  economy. We can’t afford to have serious environmental pollution incidents like this. We need to look at what happened, learn from any mistakes and develop new  robust plans  which make a repetition of this environmental disaster impossible”.

  

Thanet Independents support Mike Harrison’s suspension.

I support  the decision of  Councillor Mike Harrison's group to suspend him for making Homophobic comments.

Although Mr Harrison's remarks are not at the same extreme level of hatred as the personally directed telephone call  from Councillor Ken Gregory, they are still offensive enough to justify a suspension.

 

Cllr Worrow

Thanet Independents.

BATHING BAN ON THANET'S COASTLINE CONTINUES

Beach users are still being urged to stay out of the sea and to avoid
walking below the high tide line across all Thanet beaches. That’s the
message following a major discharge of sewage from the Southern Water
Foreness Point Sewage Pumping Station.

Cleansing crews from Thanet District Council have been working hard
over the bank holiday weekend to clear the shoreline and beaches of
debris. 

The Environment Agency has undertaken a number of water quality tests
which will then be used to help determine when it is safe to lift the
restriction on bathing in the sea.

To inform the public, signage has been placed across Thanet’s beaches
and bays by Southern Water, with the council placing additional signs to
reinforce the message. Red flags have been in place on lifeguarded
beaches and RNLI lifeguards have also assisted in communicating the
message to visitors on the beach.

Although members of the public are being asked to stay out of the sea,
the beaches and promenades are still safe to use and beach concessions
are open for business as usual.

Director of Operational Services, Mark Seed, said: “This decision is
not something we’ve taken lightly. Preventing people from swimming in
the sea is not something we want to do, but in the circumstances this
was the only possible course of action. Our crews have been out working
hard to clear up the shoreline all bank holiday to ensure the beaches
are still open for business, and we have teams out across Thanet today
as part of this. The decision to lift this restriction will be made as
soon as we know it’s safe to do so and, in the meantime, our advice to
the public is to stay out of the sea until further notice is given.”

Jon Griffin, Senior Environment Officer with the Environment Agency
said: "We are working in partnership with Thanet District Council and
other organisations to monitor the impacts of this event. We are
awaiting the results of bathing water quality tests to make informed
decisions with Thanet District Council about the re-opening of
Thanet’s waters for bathing.”

Jason Robbins

"Having my first solo show at the wonderful Monkey Cage Gallery in Ramsgate will be a real honour-it's an amazing space for Art, and in a really beautiful location!"


Born in Cornwall,  he originally studied at Falmouth School
of Art and Design, and was immensely inspired by the rugged Cornish
coastline. Working as a commercial artist alongside his artist father
(Tom Robbins) paid for his years at art school. During this time he
undertook many painting commissions, and sold work from various sites
in Cornwall, both locally, and to international buyers. He then moved
to Canterbury and completed a Fine Art Degree in painting at the
Kent Institute of Art & Design (now the
University for the Creative Arts), before jointly running a
successful wholefoods business in the city for 15 years.

 A move to Thanet was the inspiration to return to the
easel-Ramsgate's Royal Marina, the coastal walk from Pegwell to
Margate, and the fascinating architecture of the area, not to mention
Ramsgate's flourishing art and music scene, are all subjects he
intends to explore further through painting and photography.




JASON
ROBBINS
www.jason-robbins.co.uk

Cllr Mike Harrison

Following a thorough internal investigation of recent events leading to him receiving a letter of advice from the police, Cllr Mike Harrison has been suspended from Thanet Labour Group for one calendar month.

 

Cllr Clive Hart - Thanet Labour Group Leader

PRECAUTIONARY CLOSURE OF THANET BEACHES

Following a failure at the Southern Water Foreness Point Sewage Pumping Station resulting in a discharge onto the foreshore, Thanet District Council have today (Monday 4 June)  taken the precautionary measure to close all Thanet beaches for bathing. It is also advised that members of the public should stay landward of the high tide line and refrain from entering the water until further notice.

Beach cleaners and litter pickers are currently on site on the Thanet coastline whilst officers from the council and representatives from the Environment Agency and Southern Water Services fully assess the situation. It is likely that the precautionary measures will remain in force for a minimum of two days whilst this work is undertaken.

In the interest of public safety the council has placed red flags on beaches and RNLI Lifeguards are assisting in informing the public of the circumstances.

Jon Griffin, Senior Environment Officer with the Environment Agency said: "The Environment Agency are carrying out a full investigation and are working with Southern Water Services and Thanet District Council to reduce the impact of the spillages as much as possible. We will continue to monitor the bathing water quality over the coming days and will advise Thanet District Council accordingly."

Further information will be made available in due course.

Cllr MIKE HARRISON

"For clarity: Immediately I learned of yesterdays events I instructed our Chief Whip to start an investigation on behalf of our group into matters leading to Cllr Mike Harrison being given an harassment warning by the Police. That investigation is underway".

 

Clive Hart - Labour Group Leader