Thanet Press Releases

This blog is made up from press releases sent to me by Thanet organisations or individuals and information gathered from the Thanet District Council website. If you send me a press release for publication here please make it clear what the title is, which bit you want in the comment part and what you want it tagged at the bottom e.g. Steve Ladyman press release. Press releases should be sent to me by email at this email address michaelchild@aol.com just text and images not pdf.

Monday, 30 November 2009

Last weeks planning applications,

Ed. 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

Sorry about the delay putting these up the uk planning website often doesn’t work at the weekends, as it didn’t this weekend, whch is when I think of putting them up

26 Nov 2009
C/TH/09/0916
2 ADELAIDE GARDENS RAMSGATE CT119HH
current
26 Nov 2009
C/TH/09/0954
25-27 TURNER STREET RAMSGATE CT118NL
current
26 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0670
THE SQUAREHEAD JETTY BUILDING, THE HARBOUR, BROADSTAIRS
current
26 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0820
23 ROYAL ESPLANADE RAMSGATE CT110HA
current
26 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0915
2 ADELAIDE GARDENS RAMSGATE CT119HH
current
26 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0923
44 WEST CLIFF ROAD RAMSGATE CT119NT
current
26 Nov 2009
L/TH/09/0924
44 WEST CLIFF ROAD RAMSGATE CT119NT
current
24 Nov 2009
A/TH/09/0934
6 COLLEGE WALK, MARGATE, CT91PR
current
24 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0854
7 GRANVILLE MARINA COURT GRANVILLE MARINA RAMSGATE CT118NB
current
24 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0905
LITTLE WAYFARING, CLIFF PROMENADE, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 3QY
current
24 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0935
1 WATCHESTER LANE MINSTER RAMSGATE CT124DA
current
24 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0943
TREE TOPS VALLEY ROAD MARGATE CT94LF
current
24 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0944
NORTH GOODWIN HOUSE CLIFF PROMENADE BROADSTAIRS CT103QY
current
24 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0952
7 ROSEACRE COURT MARGATE CT93NU
current
23 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0793
376 CANTERBURY ROAD, WEST, BIRCHINGTON, CT7 9UB
current
23 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0813
8 SHAKESPEARE ROAD BIRCHINGTON CT79ES
current
23 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0844
103 NEWINGTON ROAD RAMSGATE CT126PT
current
23 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0877
3 ANVIL CLOSE BIRCHINGTON CT70AP
current
23 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0922
LAND ADJ, 2 PARK PLACE, MARGATE, CT9 1LE
current
23 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0936
3 CODRINGTON ROAD RAMSGATE CT119SP
current
23 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0939
LITTLE PLACE HERSCHELL ROAD BIRCHINGTON CT79JU
current
23 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0940
32 KING STREET, RAMSGATE, CT11 ANT
current
23 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0945
21 ST. PETERS ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT102AP
current
23 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0946
5 SION HILL RAMSGATE CT119HZ
current
23 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0947
THE TOWER, CLIFF PROMENADE, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 3QX
current
23 Nov 2009
L/TH/09/0862
81 PEGWELL ROAD RAMSGATE CT110NJ
current
23 Nov 2009
L/TH/09/0871
ELLINGHAM ST. CLEMENTS ROAD WESTGATE-ON-SEA CT88RP
current
23 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0938
BIRCHINGTON MEDICAL CENTRE MINNIS ROAD BIRCHINGTON CT79HQ
current
19 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0812
261 RAMSGATE ROAD MARGATE CT94EN
current
19 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0930
63-71 NORFOLK ROAD, MARGATE, CT92HJ
current
18 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0891
41 NORFOLK ROAD CLIFTONVILLE MARGATE CT92HU
current
18 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0895
2 HOLLY GARDENS MARGATE CT93NF
current
18 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0898
WESTWOOD FURNITURE WAREHOUSE, MARGATE ROAD, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 2PR
current
18 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0928
22 CLARENCE AVENUE CLIFTONVILLE MARGATE CT93DP
current
18 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0929
WESTGATE COLLEGE FOR DEAF PEOPLE WESTCLIFF HOUSE 37 SEA ROAD WESTGATE-ON-SEA CT88QW
current
18 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0933
27-29 CHAPEL PLACE, RAMSGATE, CT11 9SD
current
18 Nov 2009
L/TH/09/0932
27-29 CHAPEL PLACE, RAMSGATE, CT11 9SD
current
17 Nov 2009
C/TH/09/0911
98 KING STREET, RAMSGATE, CT118PA
current
17 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0865
BILL REEVES M G CENTRE 10-14 THE SQUARE BIRCHINGTON CT79AB
current
17 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0868
4 FORT CRESCENT MARGATE CT91HN
withdrawn
17 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0874
105 HUGIN AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT103HN
current
17 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0881
32 WESTOVER GARDENS BROADSTAIRS CT103EY
current
17 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0887
THE BUNGALOW, QUEENSDOWN ROAD, BIRCHINGTON, CT7 OHG
current
17 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0910
CHANNEL DASH ATTACK MEMORIAL, PIER YARD, RAMSGATE, CT11 8lP
current
17 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0912
98 KING STREET, RAMSGATE, CT118PA
current
17 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0913
LAND ADJ, 188 LEOPOLD ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT11 7JW
current
17 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0918
26 PRINCES GARDENS CLIFTONVILLE MARGATE CT93AR
current
17 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0919
22 PRICES AVENUE MARGATE CT92NT
current
17 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0920
3 WESTWOOD BUSINESS PARK, STRASBOURG STREET, MARGATE, CT94JJ
current
17 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0921
ARLINGTON HOUSE ALL SAINTS AVENUE MARGATE CT91XP
current
17 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0926
23 NORTHDOWN WAY MARGATE CT93QU
current
13 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0507
37 GRANGE ROAD RAMSGATE CT119NA
current
13 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0842
5 PRINCESS ANNE ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT103HL
current
13 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0888
2B MARKET STREET, MARGATE, CT91EU
current
13 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0890
LAND BETWEEN 6-14 VICTORIA ROAD, FORMER YARD FRONTING CHURCH STREET, MARGATE
current
13 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0893
16 BEECH DRIVE BROADSTAIRS CT102LL
current
13 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0906
18 ROYAL ESPLANADE MARGATE CT95DX
current
13 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0914
3 STONE ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT101DY
current
13 Nov 2009
L/TH/09/0889
2B MARKET STREET, MARGATE, CT91EU
current
12 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0879
62 HARBOUR PARADE RAMSGATE CT118LN
current
12 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0907
25 CANTERBURY ROAD EAST RAMSGATE CT110JX
current
12 Nov 2009
L/TH/09/0836
SACKETTS Hill FARM, SACKETTS Hill, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 2QS

MORE SUCCESS FOR OPERATION CUBIT

Another 45 untaxed or abandoned cars have been removed from the Thanet's streets in the latest Operation Cubit.

The week long operation last week (week commencing Monday 23 November), is led by Thanet District Council, with help from Kent Police, Kent County Council, the DVLA and Kent Fire and Rescue service.

During the week, 15 cars were removed in Margate, four were taken away in Westgate, two were seized in Birchington, one was taken away in Broadstairs, 11 came from Cliftonville and the remaining 12 were removed from Ramsgate. In the last 18 months, Operation Cubit has removed a total of almost 400 cars.

Owners can pay £260, plus storage costs, to reclaim their vehicles and, of this money, £160 is refundable if they tax their vehicles within two weeks.

If they fail to either tax the vehicles or declare that they are off the road, then a follow-up visit is made to see if the vehicle is still being driven illegally and, if it is, it will be removed. If owners do not claim and pay for their vehicles, then they will either be crushed or sold.

Abandoned vehicles can be reported by calling 01843 577888

Saturday, 28 November 2009

New documents published by Thanet District Council,

Friday, 27 November 2009

FINAL CHANCE TO HAVE YOUR SAY

Local people only have a few days left to have their say on plans to sell 11 council owned sites across Thanet, with some of the proceeds re-invested into new facilities.

The proposals are part of the council's ongoing Asset Management Plan, in line with government policy, which aims to ensure that all land and property owned by the council is providing the best possible value for money, remains up to date, is modern for people to use and is effectively managed.

A total of 11 sites are on the list, located in Broadstairs, St. Peter's, Margate, Cliftonville, Westbrook, Ramsgate and Cliffsend, with the public consultation ending on Friday 4 December. The properties being considered in this round of consultation include the Staffordshire Street car park in Ramsgate, although public parking will be retained, and the former promenade toilets in Westbrook. Also on the list is land and buildings to the south of Hartsdown Sports Centre in Margate, although these plans exclude the leisure centre itself.

Residents can give their views on the possible sale of the sites and the possible uses being put forward for each site by writing to Communications, FREEPOST SEA8273, Thanet District Council, PO Box 9, Cecil Street, Margate, CT9 1XZ or by e-mailing hannah.thorpe@thanet.gov.uk by Friday 4 December at the latest. Please clearly state the name of the site you are commenting on, along with any further comments.

Leaflets have already been posted to neighbouring properties to encourage people to have their say and posters placed on each of the properties being proposed for disposal. Full information about the consultation is also available on the council's website at www.thanet.gov.uk

Asset Manager, Justin Thomson, said: "Now is the time to have your say on these proposals. The consultation only runs until Friday 4 December, so there's not much time left to make your voice heard. It's really important to take part in this consultation process, if you have a view, as that's how the final decisions about what happens to these properties will be made. Once those decisions are taken, it's too late to then voice your concerns."

The 11 sites are:

Site: Land adjacent to 39 Nelson Place, Broadstairs (Bradstowe)
Proposal: Possible development for a single house.

Site: Former lodge, St. John's Cemetery, Manston Road, Margate (Salmestone)
Proposal: Retain as a storage facility or dispose for residential refurbishment.

Site: Land and buildings to the south of Hartsdown Sports Centre, Hartsdown Park, Margate (excludes leisure centre) (Garlinge)
Proposal: One option is a comprehensive redevelopment of the site, with income funding local improvements. As part of any development, community groups would be helped to relocate. Other options are to partially redevelop the vacant parts of the site or do nothing.

Site: Front strip of land to Palm Bay recreation ground, Palm Bay Avenue, Cliftonville (Cliftonville East)
Proposal: Carry out a small residential development, which would provide money to improve the facilities at the recreation ground, including changing facilities and football pitches, or leave as it is.

Site: Former promenade toilets, adjacent to Seaview Terrace, Westbrook (Westbrook)
Proposal: Either redevelop for residential use or retain the building in its existing condition.

Site: Land opposite the Tudor House, King Street, Margate (Margate Central)
Proposal: Either sell for residential development or retain the site in its existing condition.

Site: Staffordshire Street car park (public parking retained), Ramsgate (Eastcliff)
Proposal: Either seek a full town centre commercial redevelopment of the site, retaining and incorporating public car parking or keep as a car park.

Site: Land on Western Undercliff, west of tunnel access, including Chine access from Royal Esplanade (Cliffsend and Pegwell)
Proposal: Either dispose of the site, with planning consent for either residential or leisure development or do nothing.

Site: Car park, site of the former swimming pool, Marina Esplanade, Ramsgate (Sir Moses Montefiore)
Proposal: Either a mixed residential/commercial scheme with on site parking or do nothing.

Site: Open space land adjoining 33 and 35 Beech Grove, Cliffsend (Cliffsend and Pegwell)
Proposal: Either retain or sell to adjoining owners for garden land.

Site: Former railway line behind numbers 2-48 Highfield Road, Ramsgate (Northwood)
Proposal: Either set out formal parking or dispose for residential development, with alternative parking provided and some of the money used to improve facilities on Jackey Bakers or leave as it is.

MP joins campaign to stop violence against women

Stephen Ladyman MP has joined the 'White Ribbon' campaign to oppose violence against women and girls.Stephen said:"The White Ribbon campaign is a mens' campaign. It is about men showing that violence against women and girls can never be tolerated. There is never an excuse for violence against women and those men out there who do use violence need to be told that we have no respect for them. All men should wear their white ribbon with pride to make it clear where we stand."Attached: Campaign press release and photo of Stephen Ladyman MP

Men working to end male violence

White Ribbon Campaign UK
Birchcliffe Centre, Birchcliffe Road,
Hebden Bridge HX78DG UK
Phone: 01422 844675
Mobile: 07941 597584
Email: info@whiteribboncampaign.co.uk
Website: http://www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk/
Charity Number: 1123874

Labour Supports Ending Violence Against Women on White Ribbon Day

On November 25, the United Nations’ Elimination of Violence Against Women Day and White Ribbon Day, Labour MPs united in their support to end violence against women. The White Ribbon Campaign, the largest international organisation targeting men to work towards ending male violence against women, was present at Westminster to photograph Labour MPs wearing their white ribbons. As Chris Green, chair of the White Ribbon Campaign UK said, “Parliamentarians enter parliament in order to make their community a better place. There is no more important way to do this than by working to eliminate violence against women.”

Every week in the UK, 2 women are killed as a result of domestic violence. There are countless victims of sexual assault, rape, incest, forced marriage, FGM, trafficking, and honour killing. The White Ribbon Campaign is therefore very supportive of the Home Office’s new strategy, “Together We Can End Violence Against Women and Girls,” which was released on November 24. We look forward to working closely with the Home Office, and Labour’s Home Secretary Alan Johnson, to ensure that this strategy is successful.

Prime Minister and Labour Party Leader Gordon Brown MP, said: “Violence against women and girls is an obscenity. That is why we are taking action to bring perpetrators to justice and protect and support victims. A fair and responsible Britain has no place for violence of any sort.”

Local Government Settlement

South Thanet MP, Stephen Ladyman, welcomes local funding boost.News that all our local councils have received a funding boost has been welcomed by local MP, Stephen Ladyman. The Local Government Settlement for 2010-11 announced today includes above inflation increases for Kent, Thanet and Dover Councils.Stephen Ladyman, MP for South Thanet, said:"Kent has a 3.2% increase, Thanet 1.1%, Dover 0.5%, Kent Police 2.7% and Kent Fire 1.9% all after a year when inflation is at -0.8%. That means every local council, the police and the fire service have received inflation busting rises and none of them have any excuse to put Council Tax up this year.""Of course, every year the Councils in my constituency have received record settlements from the Labour Government but every year the local Tory Councils have still put the Council Tax up and cut services. Let's hope this year at last they will see sense."John Denham, Secretary of State for Communities said:"The Labour Government is providing stability and long term investment in Local Government. This settlement means that local government has now had 13 years of above inflation increases in funding."This settlement of 4%, coupled with the anticipated efficiency savings that councils have identified should mean that local authorities are able to protect and improve front line services while keeping council tax rises to their lowest levels for 16 years."Labour councils in London are leading the way with all eight having already announced that they will be freezing council tax while protecting their services"

ART HEALS WOMEN IN MARGATE!

An innovative partnership formed at The Community Pharmacy Gallery in Margate this week, when Artist, Heidi Yssennagger, collaborated with Equality & Diversity worker, Sheree Bell, to run a women’s workshop.

The theme of the workshop was ‘The emotional and mental impact of ill health and surgery’ and using Heidi’s provocative and beautiful images the participants engaged in discussion around their personal experiences, the treatment they experienced whilst ill and the improvements that can be made for women in the health & social care system.

Workshop leader, Sheree Bell, employed in the Equality and Diversity team at Kent & Medway Partnership Trust, said:

“I was keen to work with Heidi and use her art as inspiration for discussion. Her images helped women to get in touch with their experiences and our discussion took us to look at the human rights issues involved in supporting women into recovery and wellbeing. Every woman in the group had an interesting story to share. ”

The workshop was attended by 14 women from all walks of life and information and views shared by the participants will be used to shape the future of health and social care services at Kent & Medway Partnership Trust.

The Ashford artist behind the ground-breaking exhibition ‘Abreaction’, described by critics as both challenging and captivating, Heidi Yssennagger said:

“The intention of the exhibition, was to provoke discussions about women and ill health, so in terms of success, I couldn’t have asked for more.”

Heidi is hoping to develop this work shop further with Sheree Bell in the future, and plans to take the ‘Abreaction’ exhibition to London in the coming year.

To see more of Heidi’s work please visit http://www.heidiyssennagger.co.uk/

Sheree Bell can be contacted on sheree.bell@kmpt.nhs.uk / 07949 037 401.

Ed. click on the link for the rest of the pictures http://www.michaelsbookshop.com/blogpicts119/id8.htm

OVER 60 ACRES OF PRIME AGRICULTURAL LAND LOST TO THANET

Thanet Labour Group Leader Cllr. Clive Hart is very concerned about the amount of farmland being lost to Thanet following decisions made at the last two meetings of the TDC Planning Committee. Recent applications approved by the Tory dominated group of councillors include an extension to Bradgate Caravan Park at Manston and a golf course adjacent to Two Chimneys Caravan Park on the outskirts of Birchington.

Cllr. Clive Hart said "at the last two planning committee meetings decisions have been made that effectively wipe out over sixty acres of prime agricultural land across Thanet.

Though I appreciate some of the tourism issues raised at these meetings, we are talking about the loss of significantly large areas of Thanet's prime agricultural land. This trend, combined with the current TDC Conservative administrations attempts to build on numerous green spaces within our local towns, is beginning to have a serious effect on our local environment".

PICTURE ATTACHED - Thanet Labour Group Leader Cllr. Clive Hart.

GET THE LATEST INFORMATION ON COUNCIL WEBSITE

Local residents who want to know more about planning decisions affecting their area or see future council agendas can now sign up to receive electronic updates and can find out election results once they are declared.

The new subscribe to updates system works through the "council and democracy" section on the council's website at www.thanet.gov.uk and allows people to set up an account, where they can specify what information they would like to receive in the future. It can be broken down to planning decisions that affect only the ward that you live in or you can sign up for updates for everything that's published in relation to all the Council's committees and wards.

To subscribe to updates, you will need to visit http://www.thanet.gov.uk/council__democracy/cllrs_democracy__elections.aspx and follow the link to "subscribe to updates". You will need to register as a new user, entering your details, including an e-mail address and password. Your account can then be activated with an e-mail sent to your address.

Once you click on that link, you can then login and choose which committees or wards are of interest to you. Subscribers will receive, at most, one e-mail each night that lists links to any items matching their criteria.

For the Dane Valley by-election on Thursday 3 December, results will be posted within a few minutes of their announcement. There will be a link on the front page on the day of the election, which will take you directly to the results page. It is estimated that the results from this by-election will be known sometime around 11pm on Thursday 3 December.

Future election results, including the 2010 Parliamentary elections, will also be published on www.thanet.gov.uk within minutes of the results being announced. As there are legal restrictions on who can attend election counts, this will be the quickest way of finding out the results for the vast majority of people.

Wednesday, 25 November 2009

Euroferries confirm positive news

It’s full steam ahead for Euroferries even though the November start date has been delayed. Positive news on bookings enquiries confirms Euroferries belief that the Ramsgate Boulogne channel crossing will be a welcome addition to current services for those wanting a fast, efficient and cost effective service.

Euroferries is working with all relevant parties to provide both the local community and future customers with the quality of main stream travel service that they expect. Key benefits including free travel insurance and pre-boarding lounge facilities with tax free shopping and café add to the special experience promised to a Euroferries traveler.
Website bookings are being taken now for 2010 and new launch dates will be published as soon as possible.

For booking information please go to the Euroferries website at: http://www.euroferries.co.uk/
For customer service please call: 0844 414 5355

IMPROVEMENTS TO AIRPORT AIR QUALITY MONITORING

Improvements have been made to how air quality is monitored at Kent International Airport.

A new system is now being used to provide consistent, reliable and verifiable data, with which to monitor air quality throughout Thanet. Benzene diffusion tubes located in both Manston and Minster are being used to monitor levels. These tubes are checked monthly, with the results published on the Air Quality in Kent and Medway website at www.kentair.org.uk

The decision to use diffusion tubes was taken, following advice from Government air quality experts, as the system previously being used was a complex and sophisticated piece of equipment that was not appropriate for monitoring a small regional airport.

Advice was taken about how air quality is monitored at major airports, with Heathrow and Gatwick both using the diffusion tubes, rather than the continuous monitoring. The monthly diffusion tubes are also the accepted standard nationally for measuring the annual mean level of benzene, which is the measure that councils are obliged to record.

Nitrogen dioxide is still continuously measured from two sites in Manston and Ramsgate. Results from this monitoring shows that nitrogen dioxide was below the average mean objective between August 2008 and August 2009.

Benzene levels within Thanet, as measured through diffusion tubes, are well below the National Air Quality Objective, meaning that there is no issue regarding pollution with benzene.

Penny Button, Environmental Protection Manager, said: "We are confident that these changes will still provide a good level of air quality readings and certainly ones that are in line with the accepted standard nationally. When we looked into this and discovered that we were using a different way of monitoring air quality than Heathrow and Gatwick, which are major airports and have considerably more flights than we get here at Kent International Airport, it's clear that we needed to find a new way of monitoring in the future. Our investigations suggest that this way will be more reliable and I'm sure that's something that local people would welcome."

All air quality monitoring data from Thanet can be found at www.kentair.org.uk

EAST KENT WASTE PROJECT GOES FORWARD

A project that would bring changes to waste and recycling collections, reduce costs and increase recycling rates in Thanet has been given the green light to proceed.

The East Kent Joint Waste Project involves Canterbury, Dover, Shepway and Thanet working on a ground breaking partnership with Kent County Council, introducing common collection arrangements for waste and recycling in all four districts over the next four years. The aim is to provide improved services at a lower cost, but delivering increased recycling rates. The project predicts savings of up to £1.5 million across the four districts and the county council each year from 2013, with the recycling rate in East Kent predicted to reach or exceed an average of 48%.

As part of the project, Dover, Shepway and Kent councils are currently tendering for a new joint waste, recycling and cleaning contract. This is set to start in October 2010, with the option of Canterbury and Thanet aligning their services in 2013.

The project aims to add food waste and glass to the materials already collected for recycling across the area, increase the levels of containerisation of waste, and seek to maximise the value of recyclate, especially paper and card. The proposals also seek to divert recyclable waste away from landfill and incineration.

The proposals are part of the wider East Kent shared services project, which aims to provide cost effective services across East Kent and make the best possible use of the councils' resources and staff expertise.
The project was today (Wednesday 25 November) given the go-ahead to proceed by the East Kent Joint Arrangements Committee, made up of lead councillors from each of the authorities involved. The proposals will now go to each of the councils for their formal approval.
Director of Environmental Services, Mark Seed, said: "Everyone is acutely aware of the financial pressures on councils at the moment and in the next few years. Here in Thanet, we are looking at savings approaching £5.9 million over the next five years across all our services, and we believe the East Kent shared services project will be a significant contributor to this. As part of this, the waste project should allow us to deliver an improved service to our residents in terms of the types of recycling that we collect, including food waste collection and glass, both of which I'm sure local people will warmly welcome. The improvement is based on getting the most income possible from recycling, by working in partnership across East Kent and with Kent County Council, and should help to boost recycling rates and reduce the amount that the councils have to pay for waste disposal."

LIKES AND DISLIKES IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

Local people have highlighted neighbourhood policing and Operation Clean Sweep as likes in their neighbourhoods, with dog fouling, cycling on pavements and nuisance youths identified as problems.

Representatives from the Thanet Community Safety Partnership spent Not In My Neighbourhood Week at the start of November (2-6 November) visiting sites across Thanet, to explain what's being done to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in their area.

The Home Office led initiative aims to increase public confidence in the work being done by the police and local organisations, such as the council, to make communities safer. In Thanet, this work is coordinated by the Thanet Community Safety Partnership, which is made up of a range of organisations, all of whom work to make Thanet a safer place to live, work and visit.

During the week, around 400 residents visited the bus to talk to community safety officers and representatives from Kent Police, Thanet District Council, Kent Fire and Rescue Service and the court service. They were all asked to give their top three likes and dislikes on the "Not In My Neighbourhood" and "Like In My Neighbourhood" walls.

The likes included neighbourhood policing, quick responses from the police, clean beaches, people feeling comfortable in their area and the improvements resulting from Clean Sweep.

Issues identified included dog fouling, problems with nuisance youths, fly tipping, speeding, cycling on pavements, underage alcohol sales and parking on double yellow lines.

Lacy Dixon, Community Safety Coordinator, said: "Not In My Neighbourhood Week proved to be a great success and we were delighted to see so many people turning up to give their views on crime and anti-social behaviour in their area. We got some really useful information from people to help target our resources. For those who weren't able to make it, you can still have your say with our survey looking at how safe do you feel? You can make your voice heard by taking part in that consultation."

Completed surveys should be returned to Communications, FREEPOST SEA8273, Thanet District Council, Margate, CT9 1XZ. The survey is available online at the council's website at www.thanet.gov.uk and at Thanet's Gateway Plus, all council offices and libraries. The consultation runs until Friday 18 December. The feedback will be used to help shape the Thanet Community Safety Partnership action plan for 2010/11.

SUCCESS FOR STREET DANCE

More than 20 girls are, on average, turning out to a new series of sessions that have been organised by Sport 4 NRG.

The Street Dance sessions started at the end of September at Hartsdown Technology College and are already proving to be hugely successful.

They run on Wednesday afternoons from 3.30pm until 4.30pm and are open to all girls aged between 11 and 18. The sessions are free and are led by Stacie Chadwick, a qualified dance instructor and teaching assistant at Hartsdown.

James Gregory from Sport 4 NRG said: "We knew that we had to try and do more to get girls involved in sport. We wanted to give them a chance to stay active and occupied in socially acceptable activities. Just before the summer, we conducted a survey and street dance came out as a firm favourite. We listened, we delivered and the girls are reaping the rewards with free regular street dance sessions led by a qualified dance instructor."

To find out more, call James on 07770 828 582 or visit www.thanet.gov.uk/sport

FINE OVER EARLY MORNING ALCOHOL SALES

A Birchington couple have been fined £250 each and ordered to pay £50 costs each, after pleading guilty to selling alcohol at their Ramsgate newsagents at times when they were not licensed to do so.

Gurpinder Kahlon (53) and his wife Sharanjit (50), both from Wilbrough Road, Birchington pleaded guilty to allowing the unauthorised sale of alcohol from Uncle Ben's in Ramsgate High Street.

The newsagents had a premises licence, issued by the council in 2005, to sell alcohol from 8a.m. from Monday to Saturday.

In August 2009, a number of complaints were made to the police and the council's Licensing team about people being seen drunk in central Ramsgate early in the morning. As a result, a number of off-licences were visited.

On 3 September 2009, a test purchase of four cans of lager was made by a Police Community Support Officer in plain clothes at 6.10am, who was served by Mr. Kahlon. Both Mr. & Mrs. Kahlon were in the shop at the time.

Later the same day, officers from the police and council's Licensing department visited the premises to talk to the couple, both of whom stated that alcohol sales were permitted by their premises licence earlier than 8a.m. They were then shown a copy of the premises licence.

Both pleaded guilty at Margate Magistrates' Court and were fined £250 each, ordered to pay £50 costs and to pay a victim surcharge of £15 each.

Philip Bensted, Licensing Manager, said: "There was simply no excuse for selling alcohol so early in the morning, especially with the premises licence on display, clearly stating that sales should not start before 8a.m. In this particular case, we acted as a result of complaints about people being seen drunk in Ramsgate early in the morning. That's the impact that selling alcohol so early in the day can have and that's why it's important that we take action where we find cases like this."

LOCAL VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRES IN THE TOP 50

Margate and Ramsgate's Visitor Information Centres have both been named as amongst the top 50 in the country, when it comes to the service they provide.

The results of a new mystery shopping exercise, carried out by Visit Britain, have just been published, with each centre checked for the service they provide face-to-face, over the phone and via e-mail.

Ramsgate came 25th out of the 302 Visitor Information Centres surveyed, while Margate was 45th. They were ahead of other centres in famous places, such as London, York, Bath, Cambridge, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon and Portsmouth. Within the south east region, Ramsgate and Margate came third and fourth respectively.

The survey covered a range of issues, checking for things such as the facilities on offer, how enquiries are handled, what the Visitor Information Centre looks like and how easy it is to contact them via the phone and e-mail.

David Gonzalez, Principal Visitor Services Officer, said: "Following on from our recent success at the Tourism ExSEllence Awards, where we came third in the regional awards for the Tourist Information Service of the Year, this is more great news. I'm really delighted that we've achieved such a good result and it just further proves what an excellent team we've got. The whole team is exceptionally proud of this result and we all consider to be a great achievement. It really has been an excellent year for us and this is a superb way to end 2009."

ACTION NOW!!! CALL 0871 626 88 53 TO SUPPORT OUR LOCAL SEA CADET CORP

ACTION NOW!!! CALL 0871 626 88 53 TO SUPPORT OUR LOCAL SEA CADET CORP
AND THEY CAN WIN £50,000 FOR THEIR WORK WITH YOUNG PEOPLE

Margate Unit 235 of the Sea Cadet Corp’s training and safety boat project is in the last two in the People’s Millions competition in the South East.

The project will feature on ITV regional news this evening, going head to head with Bexhill United Football Club’s floodlight project. The project that receives the most public support will win an award of £50,000.

Voting is open from 9am to midnight. If you wish to support the training and safety boat project please call 0871 626 88 53 to cast your vote.

The People's Millions is a UK-wide programme which aims to fund projects that improve the quality of life of local communities. Projects will transform the local environment or provide opportunities or facilities that allow people to enjoy their local area.

The runner up with the highest number of votes in each ITV region will also win an award, so every vote counts!

Disability support under threat

Call to protect South Thanet and Sandwich pensioners from Brown’s plans to scrap benefits
3820 people could lose their disability benefits

Gordon Brown has new plans to scrap disability benefits for the elderly in Thanet and Sandwich. The small print of Labour’s plans to create a National Care Service reveals that it will be paid for by getting rid of Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance for pensioners.

“I have already had several letters and emails from pensioners who are very concerned that their AA and DLA will disappear which is equivalent to a cut of 25% in the average pensioner’s income. With 2730 pensioners receiveing Attendance Allowance worth £60 per week; and 1,090 who receive Disability Living Allowance worth £75 per week this would be a huge blow to so many who are struggling to get by at the moment,” said Laura.

"Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance are based on need; they are not means tested and are intended to cover the extra costs arising from the impact the disability has on the life of the disabled person. The key feature of these benefits is that they can be spent by disabled people how they wish, without restrictions, to best support their individual care needs.

“Gordon Brown has chosen to penalise one of the most vulnerable groups in our society for the sake of another of his eye-catching announcements. As with every Labour initiative, someone has to pay and, as with many of them, it is once again those who are least able to afford it who are hit by Brown.

“These benefits provide vital support for disabled pensioners, giving them the chance to lead an independent life with the freedom to tailor their care to their needs.

“Of course, we need to do more to help people with their care costs, but it is completely wrong to do so at the expense of disabled pensioners. Conservatives will protect our local pensioners and fight against Gordon Brown’s plan to scrap benefits for the disabled.”

If you are receiving Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance and are worried about losing this support please email me at laura@sandys.org.uk

COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDER FOR BENEFIT CHEAT

A Margate man has been sentenced to a 240 hour Community Service Order and ordered to re-pay £5,000 of benefits he had falsely claimed.

Tony Wooller (43) from Staplehurst Gardens pleaded guilty at Thanet Magistrates Court today (Monday 23 November) to two charges of failing to promptly declare a change in circumstances to Thanet District Council.

As a result, he was overpaid £7,090.21 of Housing Benefit and £1,252.18 of Council Tax Benefit.

He pleaded guilty to not informing the council that he had had a pay increase and that he had completed overtime at the shop he worked at. He was ordered to complete a Community Service Order of 240 hours over a 12 month period and was also ordered to pay £350 towards the prosecution costs.

A £5,000 Compensation Order was made by the Magistrates, which is the maximum they can award, although the full £8,342.39 is to be re-paid by Mr. Wooller.

Any changes in circumstance need to be declared to Thanet District Council and this can be done by calling the council on 01843 577000, although written notification will also be needed. To report a suspected fraud, please call 01843 577369.

Christmas Party

SOUTH THANET CONSERVATIVE ASSOCIATION

Little Stour & Ashstone
have much pleasure in inviting you to their

Christmas Party
With buffet and wine
On Friday 11th December 7.30pm
At

Knowlton Court
Knowlton, Kent, CT3 1PT
By kind permission of Marietta Fox-Pitt

Guest Speaker

Baroness Pauline Neville-Jones DCMG
Shadow Security Minister and National Security Adviser to David Cameron. She is a widely respected authority on national security, terrorism, and foreign affairs, and is regarded as one of the foremost intellects in the Shadow Cabinet. She was a BBC Governor for six years, and sometime Chairman of NatWest Markets France. She is a frequent contributor to ‘Question time’ and ‘Any Questions’, and her opinions are regularly sought by the news media.

Tickets £15
Contact Richard Rowson 01227 720024 or by email richardbrowson@waitrose.com
(Early booking advised due to limited numbers)
Promoted & printed by Peter Brown, on behalf of both Laura Sandys & STCA of 7 – 9 King Street,

LOVE LIFE, LIVE LIFE

A Zimbabwean dance band and street dancers will be helping to Love Life, Live Life at Thanet's Gateway Plus.

The week long event, taking place from Monday 30 November until Saturday 5 December, focuses on the theme of health and wellbeing, with new organisations that you won't have seen before in Thanet's Gateway Plus, highlighting the work that they do.

Nearly 20 organisations will be taking part in the week, with Uzambezi, a Zimbabwean dance band and KRAN Street Dancers, helping the East Kent Coastal NHS Sexual Health Promotion to celebrate World AIDS Day on Tuesday 1 December. You can also pick up free recipe cards, reusable bags and shopping bags from the Love Food, Hate Waste campaign on that day.

Volunteers from the British Red Cross will be on hand on Monday 30 November to offer neck and shoulder massage tasters, demonstrations of specialised make-up application for skin conditions, with the chance to have a go at resuscitation on the First Aid dummy. You can also learn more on that day from Moat Housing about HomeBuy, a government led scheme to help people on to the property ladder.

On Wednesday 2 December, representatives from the National Blood Service will be available to answer any questions about blood donation and enrol anyone who wants to become a blood donor. Advice on healthy eating from the East Coast Primary Care Trust Health Trainers is on offer on Thursday 3 December, when you can also find out about the courses run by East Kent I-Tec.

On Friday 4 December, you can find out more about the work of the council's Sport Matters team and how sport is used to divert young people away from crime. The Kent Fire and Rescue Service will also be asking for people's views on emergency cover in Thanet and everyone who returns a completed survey will be enetered into a prize draw to win £100 worth of shopping vouchers. The week finishes on Saturday 5 December, with the Open University available to discuss the courses they have on offer.

Other organisations taking part include the Open University, Kent Adult Education, Town and Country Housing, the Thanet Community Support Partnership, Sign Post Kent, KCC Deaf Services, Rethink and the Intraining Group. Trading Standards will also be holding their healthy eating schools workshops at Thanet's Gateway Plus during the event.

Gateway Manager, Stephen Meades, said: "This event is all about celebrating life and the organisations available to help people. Thanet's Gateway Plus already plays host to many of these groups, but for some, it will be their first time joining us. We want to show people the wide range of help and advice on offer at the Gateway every day from Monday to Saturday. We look forward to seeing people come along to join us to Love Life, Live Life."

The full events programme can be found on www.thanet.gov.uk

Wednesday, 18 November 2009

MP challenges opponent on fox hunting

Stephen Ladyman: 'I'm backing the ban, but can Laura Sandys say the same?'
MP celebrates 5 Year Anniversary of the Fox Hunting Ban
South Thanet MP, Stephen Ladyman, has pledged his support for the ban on Fox Hunting and has challenged his Tory opponent at the next election to do the same.
Stephen Ladyman said:

"It is now 5 years since the Fox-Hunting Bill became law and it was supported then by an overwhelming majority of the public and it is just as well supported now. Fox hunting is cruel and the ban should remain. Unfortunately, most Tories disagree and David Cameron and his team remain obsessed with making hunting legal again if they win the next election. I'm backing the ban but can the Tory candidate for South Thanet say the same?'

According to the results of an Ipsos Mori poll last month, three quarters of people do not want hunting with dogs to be made legal again. And although there is no evidence that the doom-laden predictions for rural communities that hunt campaigners made have materialised the Hunting Act remains under threat because the Conservative Party have made it clear they want to get rid of it as soon as possible.
Stephen Ladyman said:

“David Cameron spoke up for fox-hunting in his maiden speech, and I find it unbelievable that the Conservatives have pledged to make getting rid of the fox-hunting ban a priority if they were to win the next election. With all the challenges the world is currently facing, this just doesn’t make sense.

That is why I've signed the petition to help protect the ban and I want South Thanet constituents to do the same. And let's hear from Laura Sandys to see if she will backs the ban too and if she does how would she stop David Cameron repealing the Fox Hunting Act if he wins the next election?”

"People can sign up to the petition at http://www.backtheban.com/ and I want as many as possible to sign up now."

Hilary Benn, Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said:
“If you think the Tories have changed, this makes it absolutely clear that their priorities haven’t.

They know the public doesn’t agree with them on this, but they are determined to go ahead if they are given the chance. That’s why we need to continue to campaign to stop this barbaric ‘sport’ from returning to our land.

Tuesday, 17 November 2009

Conservatives developing policies to support our Ramsgate’s Fishermen

Laura Sandys attended, with members of the Thanet Fishing Community, a national summit for the Under 10 meter fishing fleet held by the Conservative Fisheries Shadow Minister Richard Benyon MP.

Our Ramsgate fishing community is already bringing in a million pounds into the local economy. But there is so much more potential for what is an important sector for our local economy.
“At the meeting there was a clear consensus that “big Government” is oppressing our local fishermen’s ability to continue to fish. The current system of regulation of “one size fits all” whereby sustainable, small fishing quotas are managed by the same rules as the large trawlers is clearly unworkable. What we need is a system that treats small sustainable local fishing communities like Ramsgate completely differently. This is desirable not only for the wellbeing of our communities, but also for protecting our fisheries,” said Laura.The key points that came out of the summit were:
Our inshore fishermen need stronger representation on decision making bodies.

Defra should argue for Fisheries management to be devolved to the lowest level – managed locally in a verifiable sustainable way
The current quota system is unsuitable for the Under 10m group. In the short term, they need a larger slice of the quota and we would continue to press for that.
In the longer term, they need to be managed outside the quota system with other tools, such as net size, days at sea, individual stock management plans. Local planning and fishing in this way would reduce the waste of discards. Incentive systems could reward environmentally positive fishing.
It was a really useful meeting putting our local fishing needs to the Shadow Minister. There is a real recognition that under a Conservative Government local management will be key, and that the voice of our smaller fishing fleets concerns must be heard at the top table.

Richard Benyon MP, the Shadow Fisheries Minister said, “Now more than ever I realise the need for better local management of fishing in a way that protects our coastal communities. Unlike the Government, we are listening to fishermen and see them as part of the solution rather than part of the problem

Monday, 16 November 2009

MP welcomes Dreamland announcemnet

South Thanet MP, Stephen Ladyman, has welcomed today's announcement that Dreamland in Margate is to receive £3.7m towards its redevelopment:
Stephen Ladyman said:

"Although Dreamland is in North Thanet all of us who live in the District should welcome this announcement. A redeveloped Dreamland will be good for local business and employment and good for the tourism and hospitality trade all across Thanet."

The money was announced today by Margaret Hodge MP, the Minister for Tourism, and is from the Government's 'Seachange' fund, set up by the Government to help the regeneration of seaside towns. The Dreamland proposal is to create a 'heritage' theme park and will include the redevelopment of the Dreamland Cinema as an entertainment venue.

"The Seachange fund demonstrates that the Government recognises the special problems that seaside towns are having and this big award for Dreamland demonstrates that helping Thanet is a high priority for this Government."

MORE THAN 1,000 SIGN UP TO SHOP LOCAL FIRST

More than 1,000 incentive cards have been handed out across Thanet during the launch of the Shop Local First campaign.

Held in the five pilot areas of Birchington, Broadstairs, Northdown Road in Cliftonville, Margate and Ramsgate on Saturday 14 November, local shops came together to offer even more reasons to shop locally, with a range of special events and offers.

The Shop Local First scheme has been developed by the council, in association with local traders, as a way of supporting local shops through the current economic problems. The Shop Local First Incentive Card, which gives a range of discounts and offers at more than 100 businesses, was available for local people to pick up during the launch day activities.

Amongst those taking part in the launch were Lovetts Property Services in Broadstairs, who baked homemade cakes for the day. In Margate Old Town, the Cup Cake Cafe and Qing were offering mini cup cakes and free glass of wine, while Helter Skelter held a retro photo exhibition, which included some interesting photos of people enjoying Margate over the last few decades. Rooks the butchers were offering sausages to customers, giving people the chance to win £100.

Lucy Tuson, Communications Officer, said: "It was wonderful to see so many people turning out to support their local businesses and showing that they want to Shop Local First, especially in such terrible weather. The traders that I spoke to on the day all said that they were surprised and delighted to see so many people braving the elements to shop locally. Businesses said that they had had a number of people coming in especially to use their incentive cards, which is a great start to the scheme. We know the cards are already disappearing quickly, so it's already proving popular with local people. The traders provided lots of really unusual reasons to come into the various towns and villages."

The Shop Local First Incentive Card is now available from the 100 plus businesses taking part and can also be picked up from libraries and Thanet's Gateway Plus in Margate.

The scheme will initially run for a year, but if it proves to be successful, it could be extended for longer and into other parts of Thanet. Businesses taking part in Shop Local First will all display a Shop Local First sticker in their window. To find out more about the scheme, visit the Shop Local First page or call 01843 577000. For a full list of businesses taking part in the scheme, visit www.thanet.gov.uk/shoplocal If you are a business and want to join the Shop Local scheme, call 01843 577169.

FREE COURSES RIGHT ON YOUR DOORSTEP

Have you ever wanted to learn about cake decorating, what’s involved in being a security guard or gardening skills?

These are just some of the FREE courses available right on your doorstep, to help you learn new skills and gain qualifications, which can improve your future job prospects for adults aged 19 and over, living in the Newington, Eastcliff and Northwood areas of Thanet.

These courses are provided by the Doorstep Learning Programme from Amicus Horizon, working in partnership with Thanet District Council, Kent Adult Education, Orbit Housing, Thanet College and Thanet Works.

Stephen Innis, Director, People for Action for Amicus Horizon, said: “This is a great opportunity for any adult over 19 who wants to learn new skills to sign up for a variety of FREE courses. There’s no reason not to sign up – the courses are aimed at helping to improve your future job prospects and your quality of life, as well as meeting new people, right on your doorstep! There is a huge variety of courses and if we get enough demand, we can deliver courses that you are particularly interested in. The best part is they are FREE, and we will even give you support with childcare costs and refund your travel costs.”

If you fancy learning something new, make sure you sign up by contacting Lewis Watkins on 0800 121 6060 or text, ‘TDSL’ to 07894 799591.

Friday, 13 November 2009

COMMUNITY CASHBACK AWARD FOR MARGATE GROUP

A Margate schools partnership has received £3,000 from the Kent Criminal Justice Board, as part of a national programme to use ill gotten gains, confiscated from crooks, to fund worthwhile community projects.

The public were able to vote for the projects that they would most like to see get the money. The award, from the Community Cashback scheme, is going to the Quartet Community Allotment Garden in Brooke Avenue, Garlinge. The idea has come from the Quartet in the Community, a partnership of Margate schools and children's centres, working to improve the lives of children and the community. Hartsdown Technology College is the secondary school in the partnership and whose students will benefit from taking part.

The money is being used to tackle the problem of youths loitering in the streets outside the homes of older people, causing friction and anti-social behaviour. A new group will be set up to bring older members of the allotment and the local community together with young people to work together at the allotmen, pass on their knowledge and build relationships. The idea has been backed by the local Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and the Garlinge PACT group, who believe this scheme will help to bridge the gap between the generations in the area.

Experts will be leading the groups, which will be meeting on Saturday afternoons in January, February and March. One of the projects will be planting trees in Garlinge. For those that get heavily involved with the scheme, there will be a trip at the end as a reward.

Money from Kent County Council through their Extended Schools Funding will also be supporting this project.

Nicola Wood, Coordinator of Quartet in the Community, said: "We are extremely excited to be awarded this funding and are really looking forward to getting ideas into action during the coming months. We welcome support from anyone from within the Garlinge community to come forward to help us bring this idea into a reality".

Garlinge resident Anne Kemmitt said: "The Quartet receiving this funding is excellent news. This initiative will have a positive impact on the Garlinge community, young and old alike."

Neighbourhood Crime and Justice Coordinator, Tiffany Hall, said: "I am really pleased that the Kent Criminal Justice Board has given Quartet this funding opportunity. This is a visible way of demonstrating that we are on the side of the community and it is extremely satisfying that money from offenders will help such a worthy community project".

To find out more about the Quarter Community Allotment Garden, contact Nicola Wood on 07845 979024 or email Nicola@hartsdown.kent.sch.uk. For more information about Community Cashback, visit www.cashback.cjsonline.gov.uk

AWARDS FOR THANET'S SPORTS STARS

A blind swimmer who competed in this year's national championships, a pair ranked in the top 10 in the country for dance sport and a woman who helps to support 20 sports team were amongst the winners at the first Thanet Sports Awards.

Held at Margate's Winter Gardens last night (Wednesday 11 November), the awards were organised by the Thanet Sports Network, a group of public, private and voluntary sector organisations, who are working together to increase sporting opportunities in Thanet. Awards were handed out in 11 different categories and the guest speaker was Jack Green from Maidstone, who is number four in the world for 400 metres hurdles at under 20 level.

The winners were:

Club of the Year
Thanet Swim Club, which is currently Thanet's most successful swimming club, finishing in the top three in Kent this year and with over 200 members.
Coach of the Year
Neil Leach, head coach at the Isle of Thanet Boxing Club, who started the club two years ago and has had success this year at county and regional level.
Disabled Sports Person of the Year
: Thomas Rust, who is registered blind, competed in the national championships. He often competes in able bodied events and made the GB paralympic squad, but was unable to finance the costs. He hopes to qualify for London 2012.
Individual Sporting Achievement
Paul Ayers, who overcame tragic family losses at an early age, and now competes in a range of sports, including rugby, athletics and fencing.
Long Service Award
John Websper, who helped create the Thanet Indoor Cricket League in 1976 and secured the indoor cricket facility at the Marlowe Academy, then the Conyngham School.
Team of the Year
Ian Sharpe and Victoria Lawrence, who compete as a pair in Dance Sport, are ranked top 10 in England for both ballroom and Latin dancing. They regularly compete in national competitions and were second in the European Championships.
Unsung Hero
Maureen Fiander, who helped to form Hugin Vikings FC in 1995 and works behind the scenes to support all 20 teams at the club.
Young Sportsperson of the Year
Charlotte Davis, who swims for Thanet Swim Club, is Kent champion in two events and gained a silver medal for Kent in an international competition.
Young Team of the Year
Hugin Vikings FC U15 Girls, the only girls team in Thanet to be playing in the Kent Girls and Ladies league and were league and cup winners last season.
Sportswoman of the Year
Kara Gibbs, who won the pole vault at the Kent Indoor championships and then took bronze at the South East of England championships. She is ranked 17th for pole vault in the UK for her age group.
Sportsman of the Year
James Goodbun, who competes at national level in golf croquet. He finished fifth in an international U21 tournament in Cairo.

Martyn Cassell, Chair of the Thanet Sport Network, said: "These awards allow us to celebrate some of the great achievements that have been made in sport in Thanet over the last year. You just need to look at this year's winners to see how much variety we've got in the area in terms of sporting opportunities and also the high number of talented performers. Hopefully these awards will act as further encouragement for all people in Thanet, to get involved in sport whether it be playing, coaching or volunteering behind the scenes."

EVICTION FOR RAMSGATE COUNCIL TENANT

A council tenant has been evicted from his flat at a towerblock in Ramsgate for throwing objects from the windows and balcony of his flat.

Thanet District Council took the action against Daniel Theobold (20) from Kennedy House, Newcastle Hill, Ramsgate, who became a council tenant in December 2008.

The council worked closely with local residents to get the evidence needed and applied for a possession order for his flat, because of the seriousness of the anti-social behaviour and the potential risk to other people.

Sarah Warner, Senior Housing Officer, said: "This case sends out a strong message that the council simply will not tolerate anti-social behaviour by its tenants. This sort of behaviour not only causes great distress to those living in the vicinity, but could potentially injure or kill someone, when items are being thrown from windows and balconies. That's not something that our tenants should have to put up with and that's why we've taken action to put an end to this problem."

FIRST THANET SPORTS AWARDS FAST APPROACHING

Some of Thanet's sports stars will be awarded for their going the extra mile at the first Thanet Sports Awards being held next week (Wednesday 11 November).

The awards have been organised by the Thanet Sports Network, a group of public, private and voluntary sector organisations, who are working together to increase sporting opportunities in Thanet.

The ceremony, which takes place at Margate's Winter Gardens between 7pm and 9.30pm, will see awards handed out in 11 different categories, including coach of the year, disabled sportsperson of the year, long service award, unsung hero, and awards for both teams and individuals.

The event will be compered by Johnny Lewis from KM-FM and the guest speaker will be Jack Green from Maidstone, who is number three in the world for 400 metres hurdles at under 20 level. He is part of the Kent support programme and will be speaking about his experiences to date.

Thanet District Council's Sport Development Officer, Martyn Cassell, said: "The first Thanet Sports Awards promise to be a really glitzy affair and an opportunity for major sporting organisations in Thanet to come together. Everyone involved in the organisation of the awards is really looking forward to the ceremony and the chance to reward those who've achieved and gone the extra mile for sport in Thanet. It will also be an opportunity to award those who've been long time servants to sport in Thanet and also those who've worked behind the scenes to help others."

Tuesday, 10 November 2009

HOW SAFE DO YOU FEEL?

How safe do you feel in Thanet? That's the question being asked in the new Local People, Local Places survey from the Thanet Community Safety Partnership.

The new survey is part of an information pack that has details about crime in different parts of Thanet, highlighting how much crime has reduced in recent months and including details of the teams in each area, who are working to make Thanet a safer place to live, work and visit.

The survey aims to find out from residents in every part of Thanet how safe they feel in their local area, what they feel would help to reduce crime in their area and how much of a problem certain issues are in their areas.

The leaflets, posters and business cards cover central Margate, Cliftonville, Dane Valley, Newington, central Ramsgate, Westgate and will be extending to cover other parts of Thanet shortly, but views are wanted from people in all areas of the district.

Community Safety Manager, Mark Richardson, said: "Anyone who has any opinion on what's happening in their area in terms of crime or anti-social behaviour should take the time to fill this survey out. If we're honest, that's probably nearly every person in Thanet, as we know it's an issue that matters to local people and that's why we're asking for your views. We aim to tackle the problems that local people have identified and the easiest way of letting us know that is by filling in this survey. We look forward to seeing as many completed surveys as possible over the next few weeks."

Completed surveys should be returned to Communications, FREEPOST SEA8273, Thanet District Council, Margate, CT9 1XZ. The survey is available online at the council's website at www.thanet.gov.uk and at Thanet's Gateway Plus, all council offices and libraries. The consultation runs until Friday 18 December. The feedback will be used to help shape the Thanet Community Safety Partnership action plan for 2010/11.

Last weeks planning applications,

New documents published by Thanet District Council,

09/11/2009 - Minutes published: Meeting of Oct 21 2009 7:00PM, Planning Committee

09/11/2009 - Agenda published: Meeting of Nov 18 2009 7:00PM, Planning Committee

09/11/2009 - Agenda published: Meeting of Nov 17 2009 7:00PM, Overview and Scrutiny Panel

09/11/2009 - Agenda published: Meeting of Nov 17 2009 3:00PM, Corporate Improvement & Budget Working Party

09/11/2009 - Agenda published: Meeting of Nov 17 2009 5:00PM, Asset Management Working Group

05/11/2009 - Meeting held: Nov 5 2009 7:00PM, Cabinet

04/11/2009 - Meeting held: Nov 4 2009 9:30AM, East Kent Joint Scrutiny Committee

CONSULTATION LAUNCHED ON BETTER FACILITIES

Local people are being asked for their views on proposed new planning guidance on providing new community facilities paid for by housing developers.

The consultation is part of the ongoing work on putting together the Local Development Framework for the area, which will replace the Thanet Local Plan.

As part of this work, residents are being asked for their views on the guidance for developers on the community facilities that they need to provide as part of larger developments in Thanet. The guidance expands on previous policies and aims to give more clarity and about what local people can expect to see as part of a new development and what developers can expect to have to deliver.

Recent developments where developers made contributions under the existing guidance are St. Augustine's Park at Westgate, where the developers Millwood Homes contributed over £60,000 towards new school places within 2 miles of the development, and at Westwood Cross developers Carillion contributed £307,500 to the installation of a new local bus system, now known as the Loop.

Planning Applications Team Leader Cherry Butcher said: "We're already working closely with developers to ensure that improved facilities that benefit the local community are delivered as part of any new development. We want to make that process more effective, which is why we're looking to introduce this new guidance and we want to hear local people's views on it. It's something that developers welcome, as they want more certainty in the process and want to know what's required of them and it brings benefits to local people, as they will have more idea of what they can expect."

The consultation runs until Friday 18 December and the document can be viewed and comments made online at http://consult.thanet.gov.uk or copies can be seen at the Gateway, Cecil Street, Margate and at all local libraries. It is anticipated that, once the consultation is complete, the new supplementary planning document will come into force next year.

Friday, 6 November 2009

TRIAL OF SEAGULL PROOF BAGS AGREED

A new trial is to be carried out in the Eastcliff area of Ramsgate, to see how effective reusable seagull proof bags are, as an alternative to black sacks.

It comes after the local PACT (Partners and Communities Together), residents’ groups and ward councillors in the area raised concerns about seagull attacks on the waste that’s put out in the area, which is especially severe during the breeding season in the spring and summer months. The option preferred by residents was the introduction of seagull proof bags, made out of polypropylene, which will protect the black sacks.

Following a decision last night (Thursday 5 November), by Thanet District Council’s Cabinet, a trial will now take place from the beginning of February 2010 until September 2010, to cover the seagull breeding season, to see how effective the bags are at containing waste, how well the service is used and ways of improving it. The trial will cover 220 properties in Eastcliff, in Augusta Road, Augusta Place, Truro Road, Artillery Road, Arklow Square, Shaftsbury Street and Balmoral Place. Waste collection will continue to be provided on these roads on a weekly basis.

The first bag will be provided free of charge to each property, with one replacement free of charge per year. Advice from other councils, with similar schemes in place, indicates that the bags should last at least a year. If additional replacement bags are required, there will be a cost of £4.50 per bag to cover purchase and administrative costs.

Waste should be contained in black sacks, tied at the top and put into the seagull proof bags. Waste should not be put loose into the seagull proof bag, as this will not be taken. Any waste outside of the seagull proof bag will also not be collected. Residents will need to mark their bags, so that they can identify them and will need to either secure them to a fixed point, such as railings, or put a brick or other weighty object into them, so that they bags do not blow away.

Director of Environmental Services, Mark Seed, said: “We’ve already introduced the alternate weekly wheeled bin system to almost 45,000 properties across Thanet, but there are a number of areas where it’s not possible to introduce wheeled bins, because they simply don’t have the storage space. In these areas, homes have remained on black sack collections, but we’re aware of the problems with those collections, with attacks from birds and animals, mainly seagulls, littering the area. We’ve heard what local people would like introduced into Eastcliff and, as a result, we’re going to be trialling out these reusable seagull proof bags to see how effective they area. This pilot project will allow us to see how much the scheme will cost and the impact on waste collections. We also need to see how well the scheme is used, before we can make any decisions about whether to continue with it or expand it to other areas.”

BUDGETING FOR THE FUTURE

The grim financial future facing local government has been outlined in a report to Thanet District Council’s Cabinet.

Cabinet Members were last night (Thursday 5 November) told that the council will need to save what was described as an “incredible” £5.9 million over the next five years. Next year’s budget for 2010/11 will need to achieve savings of £1.8 million. Around £1.07 million of this is as a result of losses in income from a range of sources, including planning fees, bulky waste, car parking and land charges. There are also some essential additions to the budget such as increased costs in the concessionary fares scheme and the cost of elections.

The council is also budgeting for a cut in the grant it receives from the government, which makes up approximately 60% of the council’s funding. The settlement for 2011/12 will be announced in due course and the council is anticipating a cut of 3% each year in the money it receives for the three years from 2011/12.

The report outlined a number of ways of achieving the required £5.9 million worth of savings between 2010 and 2015, including merging different council functions, and reductions to staff costs. One of the areas being looked at is sharing services with other councils across East Kent, with work underway to bring services, such as finance, IT procurement and human resources, into a shared services vehicle, operated by Canterbury, Dover, Shepway and Thanet councils. It is hoped that such a move could produce savings, on its own, of between £2.5 and £3 million over the five year period.

Options for delivering additional savings for 2010/11 totalling £1.326 million have already been identified by the council, including reductions in; the senior management restructure, use of agency staff and consultants, overtime payments, maintenance of verges, and the cost of member support. Savings of around £450,000 for 2010/11 have been identified in previous years.

Director of Finance and Corporate Services, Sue McGonigal, said: “The financial future in local government is looking bleak at the moment. There’s no getting away from that fact. The recession has left the country with a massive amount of borrowing that’s going to have to be paid back. There’s a realisation in the public sector that one of the most likely ways that can be done is by cutting the amount of money invested in local government. We’re fully expecting to see our government grant reduced over the next few years and are already making allowances for that, but of course, that means we need to make further savings to keep the council’s budget balanced. The next few years are going to be exceptionally difficult, with some tough decisions ahead of us on how we provide our services. However, we fully intend to protect the front line services which are important to our residents, in spite of a reducing amount of income.”