Tuesday, 19 June 2012

FIRST PROTEST IN KENT HELD AGAINST HEALTH SERVICE CHANGES


MOUNTING COMPLAINTS AGAINST COMPANY WHICH TOOK OVER BROADSTAIRS HEALTH CENTRE

Angry patients are planning the first protest against changes to health services outside Broadstairs Health Centre at 2pm tomorrow, Tuesday June 19.

The protest comes after it was revealed that the health 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 they were replacing these GPS and 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.

“They claim to be in the middle of recruiting more GPs – but who’s to say they won’t leave, too?

“We’ve had masses of patients coming to us complaining about their treatment at the centre.

“We’ve even heard from the local pharmacy that there have been big problems with patients getting repeat prescriptions, some people even going without their medicines.”

“We are afraid this is the shape of things to come as the government’s new legislation kicks in  – and we want to stop it before it happens!”

More information from Christine Tongue on 01843 604 253.

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
15 Jun 2012A/TH/12/0403WIRE FIXTURES ABOVE LENGTH OF HIGH STREET, MARGATEcurrent
15 Jun 2012F/TH/12/0419351 NORTHDOWN ROAD MARGATE CT93PBcurrent
15 Jun 2012F/TH/12/0433MARGATE FOOTBALL CLUB LTD HARTSDOWN ROAD MARGATE CT95QZcurrent
15 Jun 2012F/TH/12/0436LEADBEATER HOMES 7 EATON ROAD MARGATE CT91XEcurrent
15 Jun 2012F/TH/12/04377 CHERRY TREE GARDENS RAMSGATE CT126QScurrent
15 Jun 2012L/TH/12/0425PARADE OUTFITTERS 20 THE PARADE MARGATE CT91EXcurrent
15 Jun 2012F/TH/12/044439 HOPES LANE RAMSGATE CT126RNcurrent
14 Jun 2012L/TH/12/0391STONE PIER MARGATE HARBOUR ARM MARGATE CT91HGcurrent
14 Jun 2012F/TH/12/043510 LERRYN GARDENS BROADSTAIRS CT103BHcurrent
13 Jun 2012F/TH/12/043210 PERCY ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT102BJcurrent
11 Jun 2012F/TH/12/033446 ALBION ROAD BIRCHINGTON CT79DScurrent
11 Jun 2012F/TH/12/0422SILVANUS HOUSE HIGH STREET RAMSGATE CT119YFcurrent
11 Jun 2012F/TH/12/040494 HIGH STREET BROADSTAIRS CT101JJcurrent
11 Jun 2012F/TH/12/041036 DEVON GARDENS BIRCHINGTON CT79SScurrent
11 Jun 2012F/TH/12/041737 DOWNS ROAD RAMSGATE CT110LUcurrent
11 Jun 2012F/TH/12/042627 GRENHAM ROAD BIRCHINGTON CT79JHcurrent
08 Jun 2012F/TH/12/042317 LINDEN AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT101HRcurrent
08 Jun 2012F/TH/12/043012 HOLLY LANE MARGATE CT93NAcurrent

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

New documents published by Thanet District Council,



Conservative Housing Policy Success - ALMO East Kent Housing


The publication of the ALMO East Kent Housing's first year's figures, showing an increase in customer satisfaction to 98.5%, a reduction in rent arrears, and savings targets exceeded by more than £500,000, demonstrate quite clearly why the vision of shared services holds out real hope of better management in otherwise difficult times.

Conservative Group Leader, Bob Bayford commented: "These figures show that bold steps in creating new organisations can improve both the service offered to our residents, and value for money for the council tax payer. When in opposition, the minority Labour administration at Thanet District Council constantly criticised the creation of any shared services, and particularly housing. I look forward to their admission that their judgement was wrong, and their welcome to this particular legacy of the Conservative administration, as praised in the journal, Inside Housing".

Monday, 18 June 2012

Thanet District Council licensing applications,


Name of Applicant / ClubAddress of Premises / ClubNature of application. New or variationProposed licensable activities / or proposed variationDate 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 licenceBrought by Police, prevention of crime and disorder21st June 2012
Chief Superintendent of Police The Ruby Lounge
The Parade, Margate CT9 1EZ
Review of premises licenceBrought by Police, prevention of crime and disorder and public safety21st June 2012
Chief Superintendent of Police The Belgian Cafe
98 Harbour Parade, Ramsgate CT11 8LP
Review of premises licenceBrought by Police, prevention of crime and disorder21st June 2012
Chief Superintendent of Police Londis
5 High Street, Broadstairs CT10 1LP
Review of premises licenceBrought by Police, prevention of crime and disorder and protection of children from harm21st June 2012
Mrs Sharron Cove T Stall, Old Town, Market Place, Margate CT9 1ESNew premises licence applicationSupply of alcohol6th July 2012

Saturday, 16 June 2012

Victoria Pomery, Director of Turner Contemporary awarded OBE in the Queen’s birthday honours list


HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, Victoria Pomery, Director Turner Contemporary and Her Majesty The Queen
 
Victoria Pomery, Director of Turner Contemporary awarded OBE in the Queen’s birthday honours list
 
It was announced this morning that Victoria Pomery, Director of Turner Contemporary has been awarded an OBE for services to the arts. The award recognises her outstanding contribution over the past 10 years to Turner Contemporary and the wider arts in East Kent.
   
 Since 2002, Victoria has overseen the extraordinary development of Turner Contemporary culminating in the gallery’s opening in April last year.  In the early years Victoria advocated for the gallery regionally and nationally and undertook an in depth body of audience development work which included new commissions and exhibitions in and around Margate. 
 
Victoria was a member of the panel that selected Sir David Chipperfield to construct the gallery in 2006 and worked closely with the architects to ensure that the building would fulfil the organisation’s needs. In addition, Victoria provided the artistic vision and leadership for the organisation as it expanded and moved into the new gallery.  
 
 
 
Victoria is actively engaged in the visual arts regionally and nationally.  Recently she was on the panel which selected Jeremy Deller to represent the UK at the next Venice Biennale.  She is a board member of Strange Cargo and is a member of the Arts Council England, South East Visual Arts Strategy Group and plays an active role in the Plus Tate network.
 
 
John Kampfner, Chair Turner Contemporary, said ‘For more than a decade, Victoria has worked to bring the dream of Turner Contemporary to reality. She has done so with artistic vision, with tenacity and with a great understanding of the social and economic benefits that culture-led regeneration can bring. This honour is deserved recognition for an arts leader of which Britain can feel proud.’
   
 
 
Victoria Pomery, Director Turner Contemporary, said 'I am surprised and thrilled to have received this award. The past 10 years has been an amazing personal journey and I am so grateful to all my colleagues, friends and family who have supported me in developing Turner Contemporary.'
 
 
 
  
Turner Contemporary
Rendezvous
Margate
Kent CT9 1HGTel: +44 (0) 1843 233 000Fax: +44 (0)1843 233029
    
Join us on:



                               
   
 

Friday, 15 June 2012

Ground breaking new television drama featuring Turner Contemporary broadcast 18-22 June


Ground breaking new television drama featuring Turner Contemporary broadcast 18-22 June

A new five-part drama by the acclaimed Director Dominic Savage will be broadcast on BBC One at 10:30pm from 18-22 June.

 
‘She was incredibly emotional about the place, as was I, and she said, 'You've got to make a film here, Dominic, you've just got to.' I thought, 'Yes, this is it!' It was clear I had to do it.’
Dominic Savage met Tracey Emin at the opening of Turner Contemporary in April 2011 where the pair discussed the programme and their relationship to Margate. Dominic Savage was quoted in the Guardian newspaper, saying:
The programme filmed entirely in Margate explores the themes of love in the modern day and each episode is led by one of the following famous British acting talent: David Tennant, Billie Piper, Jane Horrocks, Ashley Walters and David Morrissey.
Victoria Pomery, Director Turner Contemporary said: ‘It is fantastic that the idea for this ground breaking series developed from a conversation between Tracey Emin and Dominic Savage at the opening of Turner Contemporary and that the gallery features so prominently throughout the series.’
The third story in the series is set in part at Turner Contemporary sees Billie Piper visiting the gallery and viewing exhibitions; Nothing in the World But Youth (17 September 2011 - 8 January 2012), Auguste Rodin, The Kiss (1901-04) and Daniel Buren’s, Borrowing and Multiplying the Landscape, work in situ (2011).


  
Turner Contemporary
Rendezvous
Margate
Kent CT9 1HG Tel: +44 (0) 1843 233 000 Fax: +44 (0)1843 233029
    
Join us on:



                               
  

Thanet Council - Back to work through sport!


Thanet’s young unemployed are being given the chance to gain employment skills – and also receive first-class football coaching training. 
Organised by Charlton Athletic Community Trust in partnership with Thanet District Council’s Sport 4 NRG, two separate courses are aimed at 18 to 24-year-olds receiving a Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA).
From Monday 9 to Thursday 12 July, Margate’s Quarterdeck Youth Centre will be offering skills and employment training, covering an array of employments essentials, including CV-writing and mock interviews. 
And once the young jobseekers have completed this course, they’ll be entitled to access the second part of the package – a free course that introduces them to the world of football coaching.
Also taking place at the Quarterdeck Youth Centre, the FA Level 1 football coaching course runs from 16th to 18th July. Those who complete it will receive a certificate that enables them to coach young people from grassroots clubs, under the supervision of a qualified coach.
The council’s Sport 4 NRG Officer, James Gregory, said: “Getting a job can be a job in itself – and things can be tough for young people who have received setbacks that have affected their self-esteem and motivation.
“That’s why we’re thrilled to be working with Charlton Athletic Community Trust on an initiative that’s designed to boost self-confidence and give a real sense of achievement. And once the job skills and coaching courses have been completed, the young people will have a much greater chance of securing employment. The skills they learn will be embedded, and can be transferred to all areas of their life.” 
He added: “We’ve worked closely with Charlton Athletic over the years, and we’re very grateful that the club has displayed so much faith in the young people of Thanet.”
Any young person wishing to join the courses should attend the Thanet Gateway on Friday 29 June from 11am at the Thanet Gateway Plus, Cecil Street, Margate.

Calling All Jobseekers!’ Thanet MPs Host Jobs Fair


Tuesday 26th June 10.00-15.00 at Winter Gardens, Margate

On Tuesday 26th June, Thanet’s two MPs, Laura Sandys and Sir Roger Gale will host the area’s first MPs’ Jobs and Apprenticeships Fair at the Winter Gardens in Margate. The Minister of State for Employment, The Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP will be officially opening the event which will run from 10.00-15.00.
Laura said "Hundreds of jobs and apprenticeships in a wide variety of sectors will be on offer on the day. This is a fantastic opportunity for jobseekers to meet with lots of local employers all under one roof! We already have over 50 exhibitors confirmed ranging from small independent businesses right through to some of the biggest household names. It’s going to be a one-stop shop with free workshops on offer providing useful tips on CV writing and interview skills. We’ll also have start-up and apprentice advice for anyone thinking of pursuing a different route.
 
"It is not an easy time for jobseekers and I wanted to organise a jobs and apprenticeships fair to help get involved with the practicalities of bringing real job opportunities of all shapes and sizes to those looking for work at the moment. I am keen to do everything I can to help our local jobseekers at the same time as helping our local businesses recruit fresh talent."
 
And Roger adds: "We know that there are many people, of all ages, in Thanet who want to work or who want training or who want to change jobs. There are also, contrary to popular belief, many opportunities available as well and this fair is designed to bring the two together and to help to match would-be employers with would-be employees. While there are a number of agencies engaged in this process already experience shows that events of this kind really can make a difference and bring people together in a very positive way in a welcoming environment. So, if you are an employer looking for new staff or if you are a jobseeker looking for a break, come and join us".
 
The event which has been organised by Laura and Sir Roger has been kindly sponsored by Pfizer and Thanet Leisureforce. All stands have been made available free of charge to help support local businesses and organisations- the only condition being that they must have vacancies on offer.
 
If you would like further information, please contact: jobsfair@telllaura.org.uk or visit: http://www.telllaura.org.uk/jobs-and-apprenticeships-fair 

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

Wednesday, 13 June 2012

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

Tuesday, 12 June 2012

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.

Monday, 11 June 2012

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.