Cabinet to discuss proposal on Royal Sands development

Cabinet will consider outline details of a proposal that would potentially enable the Royal Sands development on Ramsgate seafront to move forward at a meeting next week (Thursday 16 October).

Thanet District Council has been in negotiations with Cardy Construction Ltd who have indicated that they are willing in principle to buy out existing development partner SFP Ventures UK Ltd.

The council served a breach notice on SFP earlier this year over non-completion of the works to build 107 residential units, a 60-bedroom hotel and commercial units on the former Pleasurama site.

This triggered a mediation process, during which the offer from Cardy was raised.

Cabinet member for estates Cllr Rick Everitt said: “Discussions with Cardy have been positive and this item is to share more detail with elected members and the public, as well as to move the matter forward, because we recognise the level of interest there is in the scheme.

“I must stress that because of the existing agreement, signed in 2006 and 2009, we are not currently able to market the site and that we are legally bound to take all reasonable steps to get the agreed scheme built out.

“However, progress is still subject to a successful conclusion to negotiations and a full due diligence process.”

The scheme would be built in accordance with the existing planning consent and the council would receive payments due under the current agreement in a more timely manner, as well as a guarantee that the site would revert to the council if works are not completed to the new schedule.

For more information please see our FAQ's.

ENDS

Manston airport site sold to new owners

The council has today (Tuesday 23 September) been informed that the Manston Airport site has been bought by regeneration specialists, Trevor Cartner and Chris Musgrave - part of the Discovery Park consortium responsible for developing the Pfizer site in Sandwich.

As part of the news, the council also understands that a new proposal for the site will be suggested – a mixed use scheme which the partnership envisages will create more than 4,000 jobs but would not retain the airport.

The council is already part-way through a process to review whether compulsory purchase of the site is a viable option following a petition presented to the council on 10 July.

The outcome of a soft-market testing exercise to identify suitable indemnity partners to cover all of the associated costs of a CPO will be taken to Cabinet on Thursday 16 October.

The council will then undertake a wider review of the options for the site and as part of this would seek further details from the new site owners to understand more about their proposal.

A report outlining all of the options for the future of the privately-owned site will then be brought to a Full Council meeting for all 56 Councillors to consider.

The council has been clear that a CPO will not go ahead unless there is evidence of the economic viability of the site operating as an airport and a suitable investor identified to cover all of the costs required.

Historic moment for Dreamland as refurbishment begins on Britain’s oldest surviving rollercoaster

Work to restore Britain’s oldest surviving rollercoaster to its former glory starts next week marking another significant milestone for Dreamland.
From Monday 15 September, the iconic Grade II* listed Scenic Railway is being lovingly restored by contractors Topbond Plc. Group on behalf of Thanet District Council. 
Workmen will undertake an intricate programme of work to restore the historic structure, ahead of the opening of a re-imagined Dreamland amusement park next year (2015).

Initial work recording the building and structure for historic purposes has already started, but from next week begins in earnest with the dismantling of the buildings and structure on a phased programme - commencing from the motor house moving north.

Restoration will include the replacement of the foundations on which the newly fabricated timber trusses will be erected. Secondary timber structures will then be fixed to the main structure. All the works will systematically follow the scenic in a clockwise direction.

Leader of Thanet District Council Cllr Iris Johnston said, ‘It is very exciting to see work start on Britain’s oldest surviving rollercoaster. The Scenic Railway is synonymous with Dreamland and the Council is very proud to be leading the way, breathing life into Dreamland once again.”

Eddie Kemsley, Project Director at Dreamland, said “This is an important milestone in Dreamland’s history and is symbolic of the enormous achievement of the Dreamland Trust’s ‘Save Dreamland’ campaign. Work on the Scenic Railway is one of many crucial steps in our work towards opening a re-imagined Dreamland”.

During the re-building works, The Dreamland Trust will continue to host an exhibition on Dreamland’s history and future. The Dreamland Expo: a past, present and future, describes the revivial of Dreamland – one of the UK’s best loved amusement parks and has to date welcomed more than 25,000 visitors. The Dreamland Expo is free and open weekends from 10am to 5pm. For more information, please visitwww.dreamlandmargate.com or call 01843 295 887.

Throughout the autumn and winter months, the Arcade will be available for pre-booked school visits, community activities, student projects, research, presentations and tours – for more information please email arcade@dreamlandmargate.co.uk.

Ahead of the anticipated 2015 opening, award-winning designer, Wayne Hemingway MBE, is working to create a unique vintage-style amusement park; with attractions from thrill rides to classic sideshows alongside cafes, restaurants and retail spaces. Once open, the park will play host to large-scale events, national festivals and visiting attractions to celebrate the history of popular British culture, music, film and design. 

New Pleasurama proposal put to Cabinet

A proposal that would see delivery of the Royal Sands development on the former Pleasurama site on Ramsgate seafront wholly taken over by East Kent based Cardy Construction Limited will be considered by Thanet District Council’s cabinet at its meeting next Thursday (September 11).

The council served a breach notice on current developers SFP Ventures (UK) Limited earlier this year as the necessary first step towards terminating the existing agreement, which envisages construction of a hotel, residential and commercial units.

The breach notice triggered a mediation process, as part of which SFP’s owners have now indicated their willingness in principle to enter into an agreement for Cardy’s to acquire the company and with it the existing contract with the council.

If cabinet agrees next Thursday, officers will seek to negotiate a new agreement with Cardy’s that will allow the development to proceed on new terms that will provide for the council to recover the site if the scheme is not delivered to an agreed timetable.

The scheme would be built in accordance with the existing planning consent and the new deal would also entail the council receiving payments due under the current agreement, which dates back to 2006 with variations passed by full council in 2009.

It is anticipated that the new agreement would be brought back before cabinet for approval in October, allowing an early resumption of work on site.

The scheme is a key regeneration project for Ramsgate and is expected to employ up to 200 people while under development. Once completed it will provide further jobs in the hotel trade, commercial units and in the servicing of the residential common parts.

The current owners of SFP have said that they have been unable to secure the necessary funds to complete the scheme under the existing development agreement, but as an established building company Cardy’s are in a stronger financial position to take matters forward. The council would nevertheless require evidence of funding before entering into any deal.

Cabinet member for financial services and estates Cllr Rick Everitt said: “The offer appears to provide a way to resolve the current impasse, against the alternative of a lengthy and messy legal dispute that could leave the site in its current state for a number more years.

“We are, of course, aware that some residents believe the council should simply seize the site because of the lack of progress. However, there is no lawful basis for the council to do so now and we have been advised that the only feasible route to regaining it eventually is likely to be lengthy, risky and expensive for residents, at the end of which it is probable another scheme of similar nature would be brought forward.

"In my view, Ramsgate cannot wait any longer. Therefore we must consider carefully this opportunity to resolve the situation, including the expert legal advice we are receiving. In any event, there is nothing the council can do to intervene if SFP is able to comply with its existing obligations and under this proposal SFP will become part of Cardy’s.”

Your playground, your choice

Residents can comment on designs for five local playgrounds as a round of consultation events is held across the district next week (18 to 22 August).

Thanet District Council have pledged nearly £200,000 to revamp play equipment in the District including four brand new sets of play equipment and one replacement set. The council has commissioned leading play equipment designers to create proposals and now the council is bringing the designs to parks to find out residents’ preferred choice. 

Residents can view the designs and choose their favourites at the following times:

10am to 1pm 18 August at Crispe Park, Birchington

10am to 1pm 19 August at Northdown Park, Cliftonville

10am to 1pm 20 August at Memorial Recreation Ground, Broadstairs

10am to 1pm 21 August at King George VI Park, Ramsgate

10am to 1pm 22 August at Warren Recreation Ground, Newington

The council need to take into account many factors including price, delivery and quality, however resident feedback will form part of the final decision.

Leader of Thanet District Council and Cabinet Member for Community Services Cllr Iris Johnston said, “It’s great to have input from the community as to what would be their preferred design. Going out to the parks affected means that we can get a real, on the ground view from park users as to what they would like best in terms of equipment – some of the proposals even incorporate zip wires! I’d urge anyone who uses these parks to come along to view these exciting proposals and choose their favourite.’

For more information on this consultation please contact morgan.harris@thanet.gov.uk or call 01843 577114 

Latest news - market testing now underway

Thanet District Council is asking for expressions of interest to determine whether there are suitable indemnity partners for the potential compulsory purchase of Manston Airport and its subsequent operation.

This is part of the council’s considerations as to whether the compulsory purchase of the airport would be a viable option.

The council has issued a ‘Prior Information Notice’ as part of a market testing exercise which was approved by Cabinet on Thursday 31 July.

Interested parties have until Wednesday 20 August to register their interest, providing their contact and organisational details to procurement@thanet.gov.uk

Following registration, applicants will then have to complete a questionnaire to identify their interest, capacity and capability in the market. Questionnaires need to be completed and submitted by no later than Monday 1 September.

The third and final stage will then involve face to face sessions which would be likely to take place in mid-September, although the exact details are still to be decided and depend on the level of response to the earlier phases.

The Council has been working to understand viability of the continuance of the site operating as an airport. An independent report was published last month (as part of the 31 July Cabinet paper) with initial findings.

The independent report revealed that compulsory acquisition of the site would rely on an identified indemnity partner making significant investment with a minimum 20 year business plan to deliver a viable and sustainable airport operation.

Under planning powers the Council could apply for a CPO however, if successful, the council would incur significant costs which would have to be met by a suitably qualified indemnity partner, to underwrite and meet all costs incurred by the Council.

Given the significant risks involved, the council has a duty to ensure any interested parties have the capability to cover the associated costs.

It is anticipated that this initial market testing exercise will then inform an options paper to be considered by Cabinet in the Autumn.

DO YOU WANT A TOWN COUNCIL FOR MARGATE AND A PARISH COUNCIL FOR WESTGATE?

All residents of Thanet are being asked to give the council their views on a new proposal for a Town Council for Margate and a separate Parish Council for Westgate.

The proposal has been put forward for public consultation by the council’s Boundary and Electoral Arrangements Working Party as stage three of the Community Governance Review of Margate. Stage one of the review was a public consultation which ran from 3 March to 2 June 2014 and asked which form of local governance would be best for Margate.  The second stage of the review was the consideration of the stage one consultation responses at the Boundary and Electoral Arrangements Committee meeting on 3 July and the agreement to consult on the following proposal:

A division of the existing unparished area into two separate Parishes:

• a Town Council which will serve the wards of Cliftonville East, Cliftonville West, Dane Valley, Garlinge, Margate Central, Salmestone and Westbrook and will be known as Margate Town Council. Ward boundaries will remain unchanged and 17 Town Councillors will be elected;
• a Parish Council which will serve only the ward of Westgate-on-sea and will be known as Westgate Parish Council. The ward boundary for Westgate-on-sea will remain unchanged and 10 Parish Councillors will be elected.

Elections to the proposed Margate Town Council and Westgate Parish Council would be held on 7 May 2015 alongside the scheduled Parliamentary and local elections.

Should the above proposal be agreed, the indicative annual cost to each resident has been estimated as:

Margate Town Council:

Before Parish - Margate Charter Trustees: £6.57

Should a Town Council be established: £14.86

Westgate Parish Council:

Before Parish - Margate Charter Trustees: £6.57

Should a Parish Council be established: £24.58

The consultation on this proposal will run from 4 August 2014 to 29 September 2014 is open to all residents, businesses and stakeholders.

Two public meetings to discuss the proposal will be held:

• 7pm Wednesday 27 August at The Westgate Pavilion, 44 Sea Road, Westgate-on-sea CT8 8QW

• 7pm Thursday 28 August at the Council Chamber, TDC Offices, Cecil Street, Margate CT9 1RE

Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration and Chair of the Boundary and Electoral Arrangements Working Party Cllr. David Green said: “Margate is the last remaining area in Thanet without a Town or Parish Council. I encourage all our residents to take part in this consultation and give us their views on the proposal for two new Parish/Town Councils in Margate. We want to ensure that Council can take full account of public opinion when deciding whether or not this should go ahead and need your responses to do this. Information explaining the proposal and what it would mean for Margate, including the powers of Parish/Town Councils, is available on the council’s website and I recommend that everyone, particularly those living in Margate read this and respond.”

Visit www.thanet.gov.uk/speakup for more information to take part in the consultation.

  

ENDS 

The Olympic dream heads to Margate

British Champions Jake Sheaf and Chris Gregory are just some of the amazing athletes heading to Margate for the Beach Volleyball finals on 16 and 17 August.

The National Beach tour Finals will descend on Margate Beach attracting some of the top players within the UK and across Europe.  One particular team that will be competing for this year’s title are reigning British Champions Chris and Jake who have been lighting up the Beach volleyball scene with some impressive performances this season.

The team from Kent have been setting their sights on reaching the Olympic Games in Rio 2016 and are looking for any potential sponsors and support to help them achieve their Olympic dream.

Despite their busy schedule competing all over the World, Jake and Chris took time to catch up with officers from Thanet District Council in advance of this great event.

TDC: How did you get involved in Beach Volleyball?

Chris: Volleyball chose me..UK Sport Talent ID Trials, Sporting Giants (talent spotting programme) before London 2012 took me towards competing for Great Britain.

Jake: My mum played for England and inspired me to start playing from a young age. I then joined the Great Britain senior squad at 16.

TDC: What does a typical training day consist of?

Jake: Every day can be different whether we are at home in London or abroad competing or training. At the moment we are in Los Angeles training every morning with different world class teams representing different nations on the world tour.

Chris: We then train physically in the gym in the afternoon to keep our bodies strong and in check for competition

TDC: How many times have you played in the Margate Masters; what is your most memorable experience?

Chris: If I remember correctly I’ve played three times, twice with Jake. In the last two years it’s been great to win the tournament and become British Champions.

Jake: We both went through some real physical problems in the tournament, so it was great to battle through and be victorious in the end.

Jake and Chris are just some of the talented athletes who are descending on Margate for the Beach Volleyball Finals, many of whom could be competing at the Rio 2016 Olympics!

Leader of Thanet District Council Cllr Iris Johnston said, “Thanet is looking forward to welcoming Jake and Chris back to the Margate Masters once again along with all the other talented players. The Beach Volleyball Tour is a great opportunity for residents and visitors to see top players who are internationally renowned.

“There’s free grandstand seating as well as music and entertainment throughout creating a carnival atmosphere. Members of the public can participate for free at specially arranged times.”

For more information or if you are interested in volunteering at the event please call 01843 577032 or visit www.thanet.gov.uk/sport

Online electoral registration available for the first time

Thanet  residents will receive a letter from their Electoral Registration Officer over the next few weeks informing them of the change to the electoral registration system – a move from the old ‘head of household’ registration system to Individual Electoral Registration.

Thanet District Council reports that following a data matching exercise, 81% of residents have automatically been transferred to the new electoral register and will shortly receive a letter confirming that. There are a further 19,452 previously registered residents that have not automatically transferred and will need to take action to be able to vote in future. Anyone who receives a letter telling them they were not transferred can visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote to register to vote online.

Cllr. Elizabeth Green, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services said:

“With the general election and local district and parish elections taking place in May 2015 it’s important that all of our residents are able to vote. Many Thanet residents will receive a letter from the Electoral Services team to tell them that they have automatically moved onto the new registration system. However, some residents will be told that they need to provide extra information in order to register under the new system. It’s important that they do this as soon as possible, online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or by contacting Electoral Services.”

Cllr. Green continued: “This is the first time that people can register to vote online and it’s quick and simple. This should appeal to many young people or students, so if you’ve just turned 18 or you’ve not registered before, get online to register to vote.”

The Electoral Commission, the UK’s election watchdog, has called for the introduction of Individual Electoral Registration since 2003 as it will lead to a more secure electoral register.

If you do not receive a letter by late-August contact the council’s Electoral Services team electoral.services@thanet.gov.uk  or call 01843 577500.

Cabinet agrees recommendations around Manston

Following the conclusions of an independent expert report regarding Manston Airport at tonight's Cabinet meeting (Thursday 31 July) Cabinet have agreed the following:

·         The commissioned viability report will be shared with the airports owners.

·         Cabinet will instruct officers to proceed to Stage 2 of the viability assessment to develop a high level Business Plan – which would be necessary to support the Local Plan process and any potential future procurement for an appropriate investor/partner.

·         Cabinet will also instruct officers to undertake a market testing exercise to establish the level of interest, in line with the conclusions in the independent report – before starting a full procurement process.

The preliminary findings of an independent report (Stage 1) which consider the viability of Manston Airport were discussed by Cabinet members at this meeting.

The report, commissioned by Thanet District Council and undertaken by aviation industry experts Falcon Consultancy Limited, looks at the past operation of the airport and explores the potential activity needed for it to successfully operate in the future.

A decision regarding compulsory purchase of the airport will not be made until an Indemnity Partner is identified following the procurement process.

This week’s meeting follows receipt of a petition presented to Full Council on Thursday 10 July calling for the council to CPO the airport.

Restrictions on Thanet's beaches lifted today

Blue Flags will be raised once again on Thanet’s award winning beaches as a precautionary ban on bathing is lifted with immediate effect (Wednesday 30 July).

Advice for the public not to enter the water on the beaches between Walpole Bay in Cliftonville and Dumpton Gap in Broadstairs is no longer in place.

Signs on the affected beaches are now being updated to inform the public that the bathing water has now re-opened for public use. This means that swimming can now take place across all of Thanet’s beautiful beaches.

This follows a sea outfall discharge from the Southern Water Sewerage Pumping Stations at Foreness Point and Broadstairs late Monday 28 July into the early hours of Tuesday 29 July.

Cllr Mike Harrison, Cabinet Member for Operational Services said: “The lifting of this ban is excellent news. As an area that thrives on tourism, preventing people from swimming in the sea off our coast is clearly something we want to avoid. However when site observations indicate an immediate impact on the beach, we have an absolute duty of care to protect the public. This is a message we will be repeating once again to senior representatives from Southern Water.”

The council will be looking to meet with senior representatives from Southern Water shortly to seek strong assurances and discuss possible longer term solutions.

Southern Water discharge at Foreness Point – Council statement

Thanet District Council is advising members of the public not to enter the water on the beaches between Walpole Bay and Dumpton Gap. This follows a sea outfall discharge from the Southern Water Sewerage Pumping Stations at Foreness Point  and Broadstairs last night (Monday 28 July/Tuesday 29 July).

At present this includes:

• Walpole Bay
• Palm Bay
• Botany Bay
• Kingsgate Bay
• Joss Bay
• Stone Bay
• Viking Bay
• Louisa Bay
• Dumpton Gap

This is a precautionary measure whilst further investigation takes place.

Signs are now displayed at each of the beaches affected advising members of the public not to enter the area of beach below the high water mark (the sand reached during a high-tide). Access to the remainder of the beach is still permitted and remains open to the public.

Council officers are out on site around the Thanet coastline to monitor the impact and will update members of the public as soon as the situation changes.

The council is working with the Environment Agency to reduce the impact of the spillages as much as possible and water sample tests will be carried out in the areas affected today to assess the quality of the water. Southern Water have contractors out clearing the waterline.

The council is keen to reassure members of the public that other beaches across the district are fully open and will advise if the area affected extends to any other beaches.

Further information will be provided in due course.

Council receives independent report into viability of Manston Airport

The preliminary findings of an independent report (Stage 1) which consider the viability of Manston Airport will be discussed by Cabinet members this week (Thursday 31 July).

The report, commissioned by Thanet District Council and undertaken by aviation industry experts Falcon Consultancy Limited, looks at the past operation of the airport and explores the potential activity needed for it to successfully operate in the future.

At the meeting, Cabinet members will be asked to decide whether they accept the recommendations contained within the report and to share this with the airport’s current owners.

If agreed, Cabinet will then instruct officers to proceed to Stage 2 of the viability assessment to develop a high level Business Plan – which would be necessary to support the Local Plan process and any potential future procurement for an appropriate investor/partner.

The Council would then carry out a market testing exercise to establish the level of interest, in line with the conclusions in the independent report – before starting a full procurement process.

A decision regarding compulsory purchase of the airport will not be made until an Indemnity Partner is identified following the procurement process.

This week’s meeting follows receipt of a petition presented to Full Council on Thursday 10 July calling for the council to CPO the airport.

View Cabinet report

Sea more on the sea shore

As summer approaches, local people are invited to get out and about to explore their coastline through a number of exciting Seashore Safaris around the Thanet Coast.

These Seashore Safaris provide the chance to explore what lurks beneath the high tide in a number of bays around our chalk coastline. They are particularly suitable for young children (4-11s) accompanied by parents or grandparents – although provides an ideal activity for the whole family to see our coastal wildlife in close up!   Participants are urged to book their places online, and will be equipped to explore our chalk rocky shore and rockpools to discover our elusive seashore and marine life. 

The Seashore Safaris start at Minnis Bay, Birchington at 9am on Wednesday 30 July, and St Mildred’s Bay, Westgate at 9am on Thursday 31 July. They continue at the Nayland Rock, Margate Main Sands at 9:30am on Friday 1 August, and then start at Botany Bay, Kingsgate at 10:00am on Saturday 2 August; then Louisa Bay, Broadstairs at 10:30am on Sunday 3 August and end at Dumpton Gap at 11am on Monday 4 August. All events last for 2 hours.

Thanet District Council’s Cabinet Member for Operational Services Cllr Mike Harrison said: “Thanet has a huge resource of 250 hectares of coastal chalk reef, indented by our beautiful sandy bays, and is both nationally and internationally important for its marine and bird life. These Seashore Safaris provide an ideal opportunity for families to enjoy our superb coastline and explore amongst the rockpools, looking out for marine wildlife that we share our coastline with, right on our very doorstep.’

The Thanet Coast events are part of the ‘North East Kent Marine Protected Area’ (NEKMPA) interpretation events and are run with help of volunteer Coastal Wardens, with support from Natural England and Thanet District Council.  All these events are free to attend. Further information is available online and people are advised to book early on these events at www.thanetcoast.org.uk or call the Thanet Visitor Information Centre on (01843) 577577 if you do not have access to the internet.

'Seaweed and their secrets' free guided walk

Local people and visitors are invited to find out all about ‘seaweeds and their secrets’ on the Thanet coastline this summer through a free guided walk with the National History Museum expert.

Thanet – and the North East Kent Marine Protected Area - is home to many different types of seaweed that have adapted to our chalk coastline. Many of these show great variety, properties and uses – and local people and visitors have the chance to find out more on two guided walks this summer with seaweed expert Ian Tittley from the Natural History Museum. 

‘Seaweed and their Secrets’ walks take place at Dumpton Gap at 11am on 19 July and in Botany Bay, Broadstairs at 9am on 30 August and both will last for two hours.  They are most suitable for a slightly older audience of over 14 year olds. People are requested to wear suitable footwear for the walks on the chalk reef and rock pools, and to book their place online as places are limited.   

Thanet District Council’s Cabinet Member for Operational Services, Cllr Mike Harrison said: “Thanet has the longest continuous stretch of coastal chalk in the country and is internationally important for marine life right here on our doorstep – so it’s a good opportunity for people to find out more about our beautiful coastline and its wildlife. The Thanet Coast Project plays host to expert Ian Tittley from the Natural History Museum, to help unlock the secrets about seaweeds on our coast. For instance, some types of algal communities are only found here in Thanet’s chalk sea caves and nowhere else in the world!”

The Thanet Coast events are free. They are part of the ‘North East Kent Marine Protected Area’ (NEKMPA) interpretation events and are run with help of volunteers, with support from Natural England and Thanet District Council.  

Further information is available on the website and people are advised to book on a walk online at www.thanetcoast.org.uk as spaces are limited, or call the Thanet Visitor Information Centre on (01843) 577577 if you do not have access to the internet.

Thanet Council - Council discuss compulsory purchase of Manston Airport

Council discuss compulsory purchase of Manston Airport

A petition of almost 8,000 signatures was presented to Thanet District Council tonight (Thursday 10 July) calling for the authority to make a compulsory purchase of Manston Airport.

In addition, the petition, organised by the Save Manston Group asked the council to ‘look into the possibility of members of the public to buy bonds into this purchase.’

Council Leader, Iris Johnston, also submitted a notice of motion at the Full Council meeting expressing the council’s considerable disappointment at the airports closure, urging all available options to be explored and calling for a detailed examination of a potential CPO to be explored.*

Councillors noted the petition and motion and referred both to the next Cabinet meeting on Thursday 31 July.

Next steps

An extraordinary meeting of the Cabinet will also now be held on Thursday 17 July.

At this meeting a report will be put to members outlining the process for selecting a third party to underwrite the council in the event the authority decides to apply for a CPO. This is the process needed to ensure that the council has the appropriate funds in place to support this, should the decision for CPO go ahead.

At the meeting, Cabinet will also discuss the proposal of the public buying bonds put forward as part of the Save Manston Group petition.

A final decision on CPO however will not be made until a more detailed options paper is taken to Cabinet at a later date. This would also consider the findings of an independent report which will set out whether in the eyes of an industry expert, Compulsory Purchase of the airport is realistic for the council. The report is expected in the coming weeks.

Council Leader, Cllr Iris Johnston said: “This is a crucial step forward in the council’s considerations around compulsory purchase of the airport. Before deciding whether we should proceed, we have a duty to ensure we’ve considered all of the relevant legal and financial implications this would entail and that we understand the risks fully.

“There is strong public feeling around a quick resolution for the airport and we appreciate the frustration being expressed. I’d like to assure members of the public that work around this continues as a priority, but emphasise in the strongest terms that we need to ensure we manage the legal and financial risks appropriately before making such a big decision.”

* Full notice of motion: “Council affirms its considerable disappointment at the recent closure of Manston as a regional airport. We recognise the public support for its continuation as an airport and endorse the steps taken to date towards that objective. Council urges all available options to that end be explored, including a detailed examination of the legal and financial implications of a Compulsory Purchase Order before a final decision is reached.”

Thanet District Council Officer is local authority hero

Paul Verrall, Landscape and Building Services Manager at Thanet District Council, has been named as a ‘local authority hero’ by Locality, the leading nationwide network for community-led organisations.

Locality’s Local Authority Heroes Awards celebrate the nation’s ‘local government heroes’ – the councillors and council staff who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to support community organisations in their local area.

All the ‘heroes’ were nominated by local community organisations, and Locality members, in their local area.

Paul received his ‘local authority hero’ award at a ceremony in central London yesterday (30 June). He was nominated by Locality member Project MotorHouse for his work with them, and for the trust and strong relationships he has built up with the local community sector.

Janet Fielding of Project MotorHouse, a community organisation based in Ramsgate’s Central Harbour Ward and working to improve the local area, said they nominated Paul because: “He is a ‘can do’ person. And if he can’t facilitate the solution the community group wants, then he will consult with them to find another solution. He will come out in the evenings to talk to residents associations. He is conscientious and patient. There are a number of projects in Thanet that would have been stillborn if it had not been for Paul’s support. He exemplifies what a council officer should be.” Thanet District Council's Cabinet Member for Operational Services Cllr Mike Harrison, "It's fantastic that Paul has been recognised for going above and beyond his role. Our work with the community is important to the District and I'd like to congratulate him and extend my thanks for his hard work and commitment.'

Steve Wyler, CEO of Locality, said: “Our Local Authority Heroes Awards are designed to celebrate the local authority staff and councillors, such as Paul, involved in outstanding partnership working, and to say thank you to him and to them all, for all their work.”

The Local Authority Heroes Award winners were announced at Locality’s national policy symposium event, held at the RBS building on Bishopsgate, central London, on 30 June 2014.

Council launches review of polling districts and stations

Thanet District Council has launched a review into the district’s polling districts and polling places and is seeking your feedback.

Each local authority must carry out a review of its polling districts and polling places every four years. The last review in Thanet was completed in 2010. ‘Polling districts’ are the areas into which district wards are divided and ‘polling places’ are the locations of buildings in which polling stations are set up.

The council must strive to ensure that all the electors in Thanet have as reasonable facilities for voting as are achievable in the circumstances and that polling places are accessible to all electors. When considering the designation of a polling place, the council must have regard to the accessibility needs of disabled persons. The review is only about the administrative separation wards into polling districts which are then given polling places and not the changing of any district ward boundaries (which can only be done by statute following an electoral review carried out by the Local Government Boundary Commission).

Local political parties and Councillors will be consulted and views are invited from residents as well as local community groups and anyone having particular expertise in access to premises or facilities for people with different forms of disability.

Cabinet member for Corporate Services, Cllr. Elizabeth Green said: “It is important to the council that all electors have sufficient opportunity to cast their vote on election days. This review gives everyone the opportunity to let us know if they have experienced any issues with their polling district and/or station and to provide suggestions for improvements. This will help us to ensure the best possible service for all at election time.”

Any elector in Thanet can respond to this review online at www.thanet.gov.uk/your-services/elections-and-voting or by emailelectoral.services@thanet.gov.uk

Responses can also be sent in writing to:

Electoral Services (Polling Places Review)

Thanet District Council

PO Box 9

Cecil Street

Margate

CT9 1XZ

Where necessary, responses must include proposals for specified alternative polling places.

The closing date for responses is 1 August 2014.

Thanet Council - FREE Doorstep Sports sessions launch in Thanet!

Thanet District Council’s award winning Sport 4 NRG programme is offering free sports activities in partnership with national sports charity Street Games to encourage young people in Thanet the chance to access sport right on their doorsteps. 

The programme will launch new activities this summer and will provide young people aged 12 and over with free diversionary opportunities in the local community. The sessions are part of a combined partnership working alongside national charity Street Games and local leisure partners Your Leisure, who will be offering other sessions based at Hartsdown and Ramsgate Leisure centres.

The partnership will see Sport 4 NRG and Your Leisure delivering sessions that tackle many of the barriers preventing sports participation, and use fun, informal, sports activities to develop and improve young people’s health and well-being. There will be lots on offer with activities taking place across Thanet using local multi-use games areas, open spaces and leisure centres. So no need to book, no membership fees, simply turn up and get involved!

Leader of Thanet District Council and Cabinet Member for Tourism Cllr Iris Johnston said, ‘I’m delighted Street Games have already helped over 200,000 young people from disadvantaged areas to access sport for free, at the right time and at the right place. There are many barriers which can affect young people from engaging in sport; however the programme aims to reduce and tackle these issues by bringing sport into the heart of the communities.  I’d urge young people to give it a go.”

Colin Rouse, Sports Development Officer at Thanet District Council said, “Sport 4 NRG and Your Leisure will be working together to provide a whole range of free sports activities in Thanet.  Sport can have so many positive outcomes such as improving general health and well-being, reducing anti-social behaviour and providing something positive that everyone can enjoy!”

Kevin Fordham Deputy Managing Director of Your Leisure said “We are delighted to be providing these Doorstep Sports Sessions and welcome the opportunity to work in partnership to bring them about. We are optimistic that further funding can be secured to harness the value of sport within local communities.”

Sport 4 NRG has been running since 2005 and has continued to provide free or low cost sports opportunities as part of the council’s commitment to reduce anti-social behaviour and improve the health and well-being of young people in Thanet. 

The sessions are fully inclusive and available for anyone aged 12 years and over.  For more information about the activities on offer please contact the team on 01843 577032 or visit www.thanet.gov.uk/sport or visit www.yourleisure.uk.com

Thanet Council - Council continues to seek assurances from Southern Water

Thanet District Council is continuing to meet with representatives from Southern Water to seek assurances following the recent incident affecting some of the district’s beaches.

The latest meeting, held on Tuesday 10 June, is the second visit Southern Water have made to the council following the emergency release from the Foreness Point Sewage Pumping station last month (Wednesday 21 May).

Southern Water met initially with the council’s operational staff on Tuesday 27 May.

The water company confirmed that the incident is still being investigated, but that initial assessments have shown there were no technical failures at the station. Southern Water have explained that with  almost a month’s rain falling in a five hour period, the emergency release was made to prevent the sewer system from backing up and flooding homes.

Council Leader, Cllr Iris Johnston, said: “I’m grateful to Southern Water for taking the time to meet with us again. We’ve needed to share our concerns and to seek the strongest possible assurances for the future. We have a number of concerns following the incident in May, particularly around the effects on our vital tourism industry, and the impact this has on local businesses.

“We’ve made it clear we need the strongest assurances that the station is in full working order and that the company has the measures in place to mitigate the effects of a similar event in the future.

“The company has confirmed they’ve invested £3m to improve their systems since 2012 and now ensure the station is manned 24/7. We await the outcome of their full investigation and will continue to pursue the matter.”

Mel Karam, Southern Water’s Director of Infrastructure, said: “We have held productive talks with the council and will continue to work in a proactive and collaborative partnership with them as well as continuing to support a range of community events in the town to promote tourism.

“At a recent meeting, we explained that we have invested more than £3 million in improvements at our Foreness Point pumping station over the past two years and reassured the council that this investment is on-going.

“It is important to note that the emergency release to sea in May protected homes from flooding and was needed after almost a month’s worth of rain fell in five hours.”

Thanet’s beaches are stunning and the water quality is consistently excellent with readings clearly displayed. Thanet District also has seven Blue Flag beaches, more than anywhere else in England.