New documents published by Thanet District Council,

02/11/2009 - Minutes published: Meeting of Oct 1 2009 7:00PM, Overview and Scrutiny Panel
29/10/2009 - Issue Published: Approval to allow the local RNLI to hold a Firework Party on the 7th November 2009 in Ramsgate Royal Harbour

29/10/2009 - Decision Published: Approval to allow the local RNLI to hold a Firework Party on the 7th November 2009 in Ramsgate Royal Harbour; Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services and Ramsgate Marina

27/10/2009 - Minutes published: Meeting of Oct 20 2009 6:00PM, Standards Committee

27/10/2009 - Agenda published: Meeting of Nov 5 2009 7:00PM, Cabinet

27/10/2009 - Agenda published: Meeting of Nov 4 2009 9:30AM, East Kent Joint Scrutiny Committee

26/10/2009 - Minutes published: Meeting of Oct 19 2009 2:00PM, East Kent Joint Scrutiny Committee

22/10/2009 - Library item published: Constitution for Governance of Thanet District Council May 2009 pdf

21/10/2009 - Meeting held: Oct 21 2009 7:00PM, Planning Committee

20/10/2009 - Meeting held: Oct 20 2009 6:00PM, Standards Committee

19/10/2009 - Library item published: Constitution - May 2009 - HTML

19/10/2009 - Meeting held: Oct 19 2009 2:00PM, East Kent Joint Scrutiny Committee

16/10/2009 - Publication of plan: Forward Plan for period from 1 November 2009 to 1 May 2010; Cabinet

15/10/2009 - Meeting held: Oct 15 2009 7:00PM, Council

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
27 Oct 2009
A/TH/09/0835
WESTWOOD FURNITURE WAREHOUSE, MARGATE ROAD,BROADSTAIRS, CT10 2PR
current
27 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0721
LAND ADJOINING, 99 HIGH STREET, GARLlNGE, MARGATE, CT9 5LX
current
27 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0780
15 THE OAKS BROADSTAIRS CT103BT
current
27 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0786
38 LANTHORNE ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT103LZ
current
27 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0805
1 KINGSGATE AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT103QP
current
27 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0823
31 HIGH STREET MINSTER RAMSGATE CT124BT
current
27 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0831
2 ARCHWAY ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT11 9EN
current
27 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0832
CONTINENTAL RESTAURANT 64 HARBOUR PARADE RAMSGATE CT118LN
current
27 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0838
62 PRINCESS MARGARET AVENUE MARGATE CT93EF
current
27 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0840
63 LONDON ROAD RAMSGATE CT110DH
current
27 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0843
6 SHAKESPEARE PASSAGE, MARGATE, CT9 5AG
current
27 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0848
LAND ADJACENT, 69 LlNKSFIELD ROAD, WESTGATE ON SEA
current
27 Oct 2009
L/TH/09/0826
26 CAVENDISH STREET RAMSGATE CT119AL
current
27 Oct 2009
M/TH/09/0770
ST. PETER IN THANET C OF E JUNIOR SCHOOL GRANGE ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT103EP

RULE CHANGES COULD MEAN MORE HELP

New government rules, which come into effect from today (Monday 2 November), will provide much needed extra help for some families and elderly people in Thanet, struggling to make ends meet.

Child benefit is now no longer to be taken into account as income when Housing or Council Tax Benefit are calculated. This means that, for those already on these benefits, they may receive more money in the future. For those who don't qualify at present, they may be entitled to claim either benefit in the future.

The other change is that people over the age of 60 can now have a higher level of savings before it affects their benefits calculation. Previously, the maximum amount of savings you could have before it affected your claims was £6,000, but this has now risen to £10,000.

Carol Gray, Revenues and Benefits Manager, said: "These changes could mean that, if you're not getting help at the moment, then you may be able to under these new rules, so it's worth checking if you're missing out on something you're entitled to. If you're already receiving Housing or Council Tax Benefit, the changes will be made to your claim shortly and you will be notified of the change."

To find out whether you could be eligible to claim under the new rules, contact the council on 01843 577552.

ASSET MANAGEMENT CONSULTATION

Local people are being asked for their opinions on 11 sites around Thanet that the council is considering selling, with some of the proceeds re-invested into new facilities.

The proposals are the latest phase of the council's ongoing Asset Management Plan, which aims to ensure that all the land and property owned by the council provides the best possible value for money, is effectively managed and remains up to date and modern for people to use.

The 11 sites on the list that are going out to public consultation are located in Broadstairs, St. Peter's, Margate, Cliftonville, Westbrook, Ramsgate and Cliffsend. They include land and buildings to the south of Hartsdown Sports Centre in Margate, although these plans exclude the leisure centre itself. Also on the list are the Staffordshire Street car park in Ramsgate, although public parking will be retained, and the former promenade toilets in Westbrook.

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

Leaflets will be posted to neighbouring properties to encourage people to have their say and posters will be 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 A series of drop-in sessions have also been arranged for people to view the proposals for each site and to talk to council officers, who will be able to answer people's questions. These are as follows:

Wednesday 11 November from 4.30pm to 7.30pm
Park Hall, Pierremont Park, Broadstairs
Friday 13 November from 4.30pm to 7.30pm
Kent International Hotel, Harbour Parade, Ramsgate
Thursday 19 November from 4.30pm to 7.30pm
Thanet's Gateway Plus, Cecil Street, Margate

Asset Manager, Justin Thomson, said: "Many people will no doubt already be familiar with the asset management consultation that we carry out each year. It's all about ensuring that the council's property and land is giving Council Tax payers the best possible value for money and is being used effectively. Where we don't believe that's the case, we will bring forward sites and proposals for their future use, so that we can get local people's views on what's being proposed."

All comments must be made by Friday 4 December.

The 11 sites are:

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

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

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.

SHOP LOCAL FIRST

A scheme, giving people a real reason to shop local in Thanet, is being launched by local traders and Thanet District Council.

The Shop Local First scheme has been developed by the council, as a way of supporting local shops through the current economic problems.

The scheme brings together traders in the five pilot areas of Broadstairs, Cliftonville's Northdown Road, Margate and Ramsgate.

Local people can pick up their Shop First Local Incentive Card from Monday 2 November from all the businesses taking part, in libraries and Thanet's Gateway Plus in Margate. To mark the launch of the scheme, a special interactive shopping event is planned in the five pilot shopping areas for Saturday 14 November, where customers will be able to pick up incentive cards and enjoy food, drink, prize draw and music in the businesses taking part.

In Birchington, offers include 5-10% discounts, pensioners' specials and weekly draws, while Broadstairs traders are, between them, offering 5-10% discounts, half price offers and buy one, get one half price. In Margate, discounts range from 7.5% to 50%, with free delivery offers, while in Northdown Road, discounts range from 5-15%, with offers of free gifts with some purchases and, in Ramsgate, discounts are available of between 5-12% with offers of free gifts with some purchases. The incentives may require people to spend over a certain amount of money before the incentive is received.

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.

Lucy Tuson, Communications Officer at Thanet District Council, said: "This is all about showcasing the wonderful variety of small, independent shops and businesses that we have on offer here in Thanet. It's so important to shop local and support our local businesses who create jobs in our area and offer unique services. Local shops sell a wide range of great products that are more likely to be sourced locally and, by using them, you help to keep money in Thanet's local economy and keep our shopping distinctive and individual to our area. I'm sure everyone in Thanet would agree that we all want to keep local businesses in business and local people in jobs, and by shopping local first, we can all play a part in achieving those aims."

Howard Evans from the Broadstairs and St. Peter's Chamber of Commerce said: "We'd been looking at the idea of a scheme like this for some time and were very pleased when the council put this forward. We're delighted to play our part by supporting the Shop Local First initiative. It's very important, during a recession, that small traders support their customer base by giving good service, as well as the customer supporting the trader."

Pamela Pople from the Cliftonville Partnership said: "The Shop Local First campaign will provide much needed support promoting local independent businesses Thanet-wide. We're delighted that Northdown Road is one of the five pilot areas for this scheme and we look forward to welcoming new shoppers to our area, as part of this scheme."

Businesses taking part in Shop Local First will all display a Shop Local First sticker in their window and leaflets listing the businesses and incentive cards will be available from local libraries, shops and Thanet's Gateway Plus. To find out more about the scheme, the special shopping launch event on Saturday 14 November visit www.thanet.gov.uk/shoplocal or call 01843 577000.

Take care with firworks says MP. Press release.

Stay safe and think about your neighbours in the run up to Fireworks Day, says local MP Stephen Ladyman.Stephen Ladyman says"Fireworks can be great fun but they annoy some people and can frighten pets. They are also dangerous in the wrong hands.

A lot of older people and people with dogs and other pets get really upset with fireworks especially if people are still using them weeks after Firworks night.

We've changed the law to help but even when using firworks legally people need to think about their neighbours and take care to use them safely.Fireworks must not be sold to anyone who is under 18 by law and they cannot be carried in a public place and the police can fine those who cause disturbance late at night, let off fireworks in the street or who carry fireworks in public."Consumers Minister Kevin Brennan adds:"Bonfire night is a time families enjoy.

But unfortunately accidents can and do happen. Even if you think you know how to handle fireworks look again at the Fireworks Code to ensure you and your loved ones have a safe and happy time on bonfire night."

ENDSNotes for editors

The attached picture shows Stephen Ladyman MP and minister Kevin Brennan.1. It is against the law to possess fireworks in public if you're under 18.2. It is against the law to throw or set off fireworks in the street.3. Fireworks must not be sold to anyone who is under 18.4. Penalties:It is an offence under section 80 of the Explosives Act 1875 to throw or set off fireworks in any highway, street, thoroughfare or public place. The power to enforce this section of the Act rests with the police. Anyone found guilty is liable to pay a fine of up to £5,000 and can be imprisoned for up to six months. Penalty notices for disorder (on-the-spot fines) can also be issued for this offence, attracting the upper tier fine of £80.In Regulations made under the Fireworks Act 2003, it is also an offence for the under 18s to possess fireworks in a public place and for anyone to let fireworks off during night hours ( 11pm to 7am). Police also have the power to issue penalty notices for disorder for these offences. Again, the offence attracts the upper tier fine of £80.Under section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 it is an offence to cause any unnecessary suffering to any domestic or captive animals. The penalty on conviction is either imprisonment up to 51 weeks or a fine of up to £20,000 or both. Enforcement of this section of the Act rests with Trading Standards, the Police or the RSPCA as appropriate.5. The firework code:* Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114.* Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.* Keep fireworks in a closed box.* Follow the instructions on each firework.* Light at arm's length, using a taper.* Stand well back.* Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode.* Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.* Always supervise children around fireworks.* Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.* Never give sparklers to a child under five.* Keep pets indoors.

FINE FOR RAMSGATE MAN OVER DUMPED RUBBISH

A Ramsgate man has been fined a total of £350 and ordered to pay costs of £100, after he pleaded guilty to dumping rubbish and failing to have a waste carriers licence.

Thanet Council's Environmental Protection team were contacted in May by the local Kent County Council community warden, who alerted them that rubbish had been dumped behind Minster sewage works, just off Marsh Farm Road.

A three piece sofa, two rugs, pieces of wood from broken furniture, grey plastic furniture and builder's waste were all dumped on the ground.

Following enquiries, Neil Jones from Highfield Close, Ramsgate was charged with transporting waste without being registered and dumping rubbish. He pleaded guilty to the charges at Margate magistrates court and was fined £100 for the first offence and £250 for the second. He was additionally ordered to pay £100 costs and a victim surcharge of £15.

Environmental Protection Manager, Penny Button, said: "This case highlights the true cost of dumping rubbish, which came to nearly £500 for this person. It's a stiff penalty to pay and if you want to transport waste as part of a business, it's so much easier to register with the Environment Agency as a Waste Carrier and to ensure that the waste is properly disposed of. Dumping rubbish should never be an option. It's something our residents want us to clamp down on and, where we can find the evidence, we will take action."

TACKLING ISSUES IN CLIFTONVILLE

Action has been taken in Cliftonville to tackle problems of drinking in the street and cycling offences.

Both issues were raised at meetings of Partners and Communities Together (PACT) in the area, with concern raised about drinking on the street, mainly around St. Paul's Church. As a result, local officers have taken action, pouring away drink from those consuming it in a pubic place.

Another issue raised was about cycling offences, mainly in the Northdown Road area and five Fixed Penalty Notices have now been handed out to cyclists on pavements. Others have been advised that they should be wearing reflective clothing and lights when they are riding in the dark.

Lacy Dixon from the Thanet Community Safety Partnership said: "It's clear these initiatives are having an impact and are helping to tackle some of the problems identified by local people. The word has certainly spread about the crackdown on street drinking and there has been a noticeable reduction in drinking since these measures were first introduced. Local people have also commented on the drop in cycling offences. Again, they've seen the local officers out, handing out either advice or fines to cyclists and the messages on this problem is also doing the rounds."

For more information on the work being done in Cliftonville to help tackle local people's priorities, contact Lacy Dixon at the Thanet Community Safety Partnership on 01843 577608.

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


23 Oct 2009
A/TH/09/0789
BUS SHELTER OUTSIDE NORTHDOWN SURGERY, NORTHDOWNPARK ROAD, MARGATE, GT9 2TU
current
23 Oct 2009
A/TH/09/0799
PALM BAY LAUNDERETTE 15 SUMMERFIELD ROAD CLIFTONVILLE MARGATE CT93EZ
current
23 Oct 2009
A/TH/09/0800
SHELTER 0077 OUTSIDE LALEHAM SCHOOL, NORTH DOWN PARK ROAD,MARGATE,CT92TP
current
23 Oct 2009
A/TH/09/0801
SPECSAVERS OPTICIANS 78 HIGH STREET MARGATE CT91DT
current
23 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0743
3 YORK GATE HOUSE HARBOUR STREET BROADSTAIRS CT101EU
current
23 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0754
2 SOUTHWOOD ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT11 OAA
current
23 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0773
49 GORDON ROAD WESTWOOD MARGATE CT94EA
current
23 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0795
1 WALNUT TREE COTTAGES COLDSWOOD ROAD RAMSGATE CT125AH
current
23 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0798
15 SUMMERFIELD ROAD CLIFTONVILLE MARGATE CT93EZ
current
23 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0809
OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA CHURCH, BROADSTAIRS ROAD,BROADSTAIRS, CT10 2RH
current
23 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0816
HUNDREDS FARM COTTAGE CANTERBURY ROAD WESTGATE-ON-SEA CT88LU
current
23 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0817
40-46 SWEYN ROAD CLIFTONVILLE MARGATE CT92DF
current
23 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0818
44 GREENFIELD ROAD RAMSGATE CT126TX
current
23 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0821
25A CARLTON AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT101AG
current
23 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0829
CUSTOM HOUSE, HARBOUR PARADE, RAMSGATE, CT11 8LJ
current
23 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0834
1 NEWCASTLE Hill, RAMSGATE, CT11 8NH
current
23 Oct 2009
L/TH/09/0767
42 WEST CLIFF ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT101PU
current
23 Oct 2009
L/TH/09/0830
CUSTOM HOUSE, HARBOUR PARADE, RAMSGATE, CT11 8LJ
current
20 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0722
7 CAROLINE SQUARE MARGATE CT91SS
current
20 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0804
54 WHITFIELD AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT103HX
current
20 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0807
ST. GEORGES CLIFF PROMENADE BROADSTAIRS CT103QY
current
20 Oct 2009
L/TH/09/0729
THE OLD FORGE, MANOR ROAD, ST NICHOLAS AT WADE,BIRCHINGTON, CT7 0NY
current
20 Oct 2009
L/TH/09/0796
CONNEX SOUTH EAST RAMSGATE RAILWAY STATION STATION APPROACH ROAD RAMSGATE CT117RE
current

MORE COMMUNITY CRIME FIGHTERS FOR THANET

Ten more Thanet residents have undergone the training to become Community Crime Fighters in the areas they live in.

They attended a Home Office event in Brighton, following a previous event in Southampton that trained four local people. All the residents are part of community groups already or have a significant interest in local concerns.

Community Crime Fighters are part of the Home Office led Neighbourhood Crime and Justice initiative. Thanet was chosen as the only Neighbourhood Crime and Justice pilot area in Kent, with the Thanet Community Safety Partnership leading on this work.

As well as Community Crime Fighters, the pilot also focuses on community payback and giving back to society, seeing justice done by advertising action taken by the police and council against offenders to the local community. Other parts of the initiative are improved services for victims and witnesses in anti-social behaviour cases and improved ways of engaging with the community.

The residents were given a much better understanding of these issues on the day and had the opportunity to ask key government figures questions about the future of policing and council plans to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour. Residents also took part in workshops and had the opportunity to discuss their opinions and concerns with other residents from across the country.

The Thanet residents were so impressed with the knowledge they gained on the day, that the majority now plan to apply to do a two day training course in Chester, which is a more intensive experience that will give them more expert knowledge to lead community groups and educate others. They will also have the opportunity to apply for a pot of funding at this stage to make small improvements to tackle local concerns.

Carol Russell and Chris Carter of Ramsgate said: "We learnt so much and it will help us greatly in the future to try and make our neighbourhood not only safer, but a more enjoyable place to live in. We now both intend to go on the advanced training in Chester."

Neighbourhood Crime and Justice Coordinator, Tiffany Hall, said: "I was really proud of the residents that came along to Brighton. They all made a great impression, got really involved, and spoke honestly about their feelings about anti-social behaviour in Thanet and what improvements could be made. With the knowledge they now have, they will be able to go back to their respective community groups and pass on information about the policing pledge, tools and powers to tackle anti-social behaviour and what services the public should expect from the government and local crime fighting agencies".

There is one more opportunity to attend a community crime fighter event, on Wednesday 25 November 2009 in London. For more information, contact Tiffany on 01843 577910. The events are free to attend, transport costs can be claimed back and lunch is also provided.

SUSPENDED JAIL SENTENCE OVER BENEFIT FRAUD

A Ramsgate woman has been given a suspended prison sentence, after pleading guilty to benefit fraud.

Joanne Adie (31), of West Dumpton Lane had been in receipt of Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Income Support on the basis that she was a single person. In her applications for benefit, she failed to declare that her husband had actually been living with her for three years.

In an interview, under caution, she denied that her husband was living with her. When first interviewed, her husband also denied living with Adie and said he spent time at his mother's. He was interviewed for a second time, once further enquiries had been made, and he admitted that he had actually been living with his wife for three years.

As a result of this, Adie was overpaid £17,292.87 in Housing Benefits, £2,343.74 in Council Tax Benefits and £6,777.12 in Income Support.

She pleaded guilty at Margate Magistrates to all charges and was sent to Canterbury Crown Court for sentencing, due to the size of the overpayment. She was given a 12 month prison sentence, suspended for two years, 250 hours of unpaid work and a 12 month supervision order.

Judge Van Der Bijl, who sentenced Adie, said: "The punishment has to be a deterrent to others. This is a serious matter and cannot just be washed away. The taxpayers, that's me, builders and plumbers, have to pay for this."

To notify the council of a change in your circumstances, you can contact the council on 01843 577000. To report benefit fraud, call 01843 577369.

KOREAN VISIT TO PORT OF RAMSGATE

A delegation from the South Korean government has visited the Port of Ramsgate and Ramsgate Royal Harbour Marina.

The delegation of 17 people, which visited on Wednesday (21 October), was led by Yong-Gynn Jung, Deputy Director of the Ministry for Food, Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries. Its members included leaders from Korean business, maritime engineers and representatives of the fishing industry.

He explained that the principal interest was learning from European Union experience about how coastal towns could prosper from marina development, whilst retaining an active fishing industry and strengthening existing local business.

The delegation had already visited Boulogne and was scheduled to visit Brighton before returning home.

Director of Regeneration Services, Brian White, said: "We had a very positive meeting with the delegation from South Korea, who were very enthusiastic and complimentary about the range of different businesses successfully operating around the port and marina. It seems that coastal towns in South Korea have experienced the same economic problems as those in the UK, in their case because of decline in fishing. The delegation was particular interested in how our historic Royal Harbour had become the one of the best marinas in Kent. Much of that is down to the huge variety of businesses we have using the harbour and that's an aspect that the delegation were very interested to hear more about."

SPORT GETS GOOD MARKS FROM THANET'S YOUNG PEOPLE

New survey results show how popular sport or physical activity is amongst Thanet's young people.

The survey was part of the registration process for the Summer Sports Programme 2009, produced by Thanet District Council's Sport Matters team.

Of those responding, more than 90% said their children take part in some form of sport or physical activity outside of school, with almost half participating in activity for between one and three hours a week. A quarter take part in between four and five hours of activity each week.

Other results showed that more than half of those who responded were members of local sports clubs, with football and swimming the most popular clubs, following by running and martial arts.

The survey also asked about which activities children would like to see, with football and ice-skating the most popular responses. In total, 29 different sports were listed in answer to this question, ranging from ice skating to korfball and gymnastics to karate and rock climbing.

The results come after a successful summer of sports activities for young people, with hundreds taking part over the school holidays, including 548 at one event alone, the Summer Slam, that was held at Hartsdown Park. The summer sports programme attracted over 3,000 attendances from those five to 18 years, across the five weeks of activities.

Sports Development Officer, Martyn Cassell, said: "These results are exceptionally encouraging and highlight how important sport or physical activity is for many young people. That's something we've seen in the Sport Matters team with the huge range of activities that we put on during the year for young people. The numbers taking part over the summer holidays were excellent and just demonstrate the enthusiasm that many young people have for sport."

FINE FOR GARLINGE WOMAN OVER BENEFITS FRAUD

A Garlinge woman has been fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £1,000 costs, after being found guilty of benefit fraud.

Joanne Devlin (43), formerly from Birds Avenue, Garlinge, was in receipt of Housing Benefit, based on the fact that she was a lone parent. She failed to notify Thanet District Council that her landlord was also the father of her child, and she was therefore not entitled to claim Housing Benefit for the property. As a result, she was overpaid benefit of £2,412.67.

Mrs. Devlin was invited for interview on five occasions, but never attended these appointments. She also failed to attend court on two occasions and a warrant was issued. She attended the next hearing and pleaded not guilty, electing for trial at the Magistrates Court.

At the trial, she offered no evidence to suggest that the father was not her landlord and the Magistrates found her guilty of the offence of dishonestly making a false statement. The magistrates stated that "it was impossible to believe that, when fraud was suggested, no explanation was given" by Mrs. Devlin. She was fined £1,000 and was ordered to pay £1,000 towards the prosecution costs.

To notify the council of a change in your circumstances, call 01843 577368.

LATEST RESULTS FROM OPERATION CLEAN SWEEP

Suspicious benefit claims, potential houses in multiple occupation, fire safety concerns and removal of 14 tons of rubbish are amongst the most recent successes of Operation Clean Sweep.

The operation, led by Thanet District Council, also draws together officers from Kent Police, the UK Border Agency, Kent Fire and Rescue Service, Kent County Council and EDF. The teams hit streets in Cliftonville earlier this week in a one day operation (Tuesday 20 October) and inspected around 50 properties, uncovering a number of problems.

Seven notices were issued on the owners of properties for having rubbish dumped on their premises. Of these, three were cleared by the owners prior to Clean Sweep, three more were cleared by the Clean Sweep team on the day, with the owners being billed for the cost of the work. In the final case, the notice still has time to run, before action is taken.

Volunteers from Hang 10 removed rubbish from alleyways and, in total, 14 tons of rubbish was cleared away, following the day.

The UK Border Agency spoke to a number of people and collected intelligence for further investigations. Seven parking tickets were issued and four benefits claims were cancelled, with investigations underway into others. Further investigations are also underway into several potential Houses in Multiple Occupation, with action being taken under the housing and planning laws against one confirmed HMO. Fire safety concerns were also raised by Kent Fire and Rescue Services at two premises and advice was given on how to improve the situation.

Graffiti was removed around Margate seafront, and the Schmidt machine, which cleans the pavements, and the Fido machine, which cleans up dog mess, were also in operation in the same area.

Street Scene Manager, Bob Spicer, said: "As with previous Operation Clean Sweeps, we're finding a lot less problems when we return to areas, such as Cliftonville, than when we first started. That's a really positive step forward and shows the difference that Clean Sweep is making. You can see a definite improvement out on the streets and that's exactly what this operation is all about."

BY-ELECTION FOR DANE VALLEY

A by-election to fill a vacancy within the Dane Valley ward of Thanet District Council will be held on Thursday 3 December.

It comes after the resignation of Cllr. Stephen Broadhurst, who had been a member of Thanet District Council since May 2007.

Those residents that have recently completed their voter registration form will be able to vote at this election. Those residents who have yet to complete their voter registration form have until Wednesday 18 November to return their forms to enable them to vote at these elections.

Electoral Services will shortly be commencing its third and final stage of its annual canvass, with canvassers carrying out door-to-door enquiries to properties where no response has been received.

To check that your name has been included on the Register of Electors, please contact Thanet District Council's Electoral Services team on 577500.

As an alternative to casting their votes at the polling station, electors can choose either a postal or proxy vote for this election. If you are not already registered for this, you will need to complete an absent voting application form. Completed application forms must be received by the Electoral Registration Officer by the following deadlines:

. New postal voting facilities - 5.00pm on Wednesday 18 November 2009.
. New proxy voting facilities - 5.00pm on Wednesday 25 November 2009.

Application forms for the absent voting facilities or registering as an elector are available by contacting the Electoral Registration Officer on 01843 577500 or by email to electoral.services@thanet.gov.uk.

Cllr. ALAN POOLE HAS MADE AN OFFICIAL COMPLAINT TO STANDARDS OFFICER.

From: Clive Hart
Sent: Thursday, October 22, 2009 5:11 PM
Subject: CONCRETE & COUNTRYSIDE
Below are the details of events at Wednesday evening's TDC Planning meeting.
No further comment will be made on this issue as a request for an investigation may be made.

22/10/2009

Tories vote to concrete over yet another piece of Thanet!

Last night Conservative Planning Committee members at Thanet District Council voted unanimously against the Planning Officers recommendation to refuse the Bradgate Caravan Park application and for 1.78 hectares of Thanet’s prime farmland to be turned into a Caravan Park.

This land is now considered ‘brown field land’ and can be further developed at a later date.
Notes for editors:
Conservative Cllr Shirley Tomlinson, under the comments section of the Agenda, made it quite clear that she supported the Caravan Park’s application even before the meeting had taken place.

The Conservative Planning Chairman called fellow Conservative Cllr Shirley Tomlinson to speak first during the debate and she proposed ‘Approval’ and Cllr Michael Tomlinson ‘seconded’.

A previous Application for the same site had already been refused. Wednesday night's application was substantially the same application again, and carried the Planning Officers recommendation to ‘refuse’ on the same ‘grounds’ as the last application.

Neither the Applicant nor his Agent spoke at the Meeting. It is most unusual for Applicant or Agent not to put their case to the Committee, especially when the recommendation is ‘refusal’.

The site is not in the Local Plan for development and the development was contrary to Thanet Local Plan Policies CC1, CC2, CC9 and T3. Kent & Medway Structure Plan SS8, EN1, EP9 and EP10.

Various headings in the report also supported ‘refusal:-

Principle of Development will not generally be permitted unless there is a need for the development that overrides the need to protect the countryside.

Loss of Best and most versatile Agricultural Land – it is acknowledged that the Caravan Park would result in the loss of prime agricultural land.

Impact on the Character of the Area – the site is located on the open Central Chalk Plateau and would undoubtedly damage the openness of the countryside.

Sustainability – the site is poorly located in relation to the primary and secondary road network and is not highly accessible by foot, cycle and public transport.

Manston Court Road- is a narrow road that does not allow two cars to pass in places. Any additional traffic would have an impact on road safety.

In the report the Planning Officer stated: - “To conclude I consider that the economic benefits to the local area would not outweigh the potential harm resulting from the loss of open countryside and the unsustainable location would result in additional vehicle movements. As such I recommend the Members refuse this application,”

Amazingly, prior to the final vote the Conservative Chairman stated that there were ‘only’ a few unimportant issues outstanding.

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

DOG STARTS SCHOOL

Roxy the dog has been helping local primary school children in Ramsgate understand the issues of dog fouling.

Dog fouling was identified by PACT panels (Partners and Communities Together) in the Central Harbour, Eastcliff and Newington areas of Ramsgate as a priority for them. To help tackle the problem, PCSOs, community wardens and council officers have been visiting local primary schools to discuss the penalties and the problems that failing to pick up after your dog causes.

An interactive game was used to show children how to pick up after their dogs and use dog bins correction, with a special visit from Roxy, a two year old Pomerian. Talks were also given by the local PCSO and the council’s waste education officer.

The children were asked to design new signs, with messages about dog fouling, which will be then be judged by the Mayor of Ramsgate and the Chairman of Thanet Council, with the winning sign displayed in parks and open areas initially just in Ramsgate, in the new year.

Jessica Bailey, Community Safety Coordinator, said: “Local people said dog fouling was a priority for them in these areas and we’ve listened to that and acted. This initiative aims to get primary school children thinking about the issues associated with dog fouling. Dog owners need to be responsible and pick up after their dogs, using the dog bins provided. If they fail to do so, they risk an £80 fine. It’s as simple as that. We’ve also been getting the message across about the health issues linked to dog fouling. It can be dangerous, with the disease Toxcariasis passed out in dog faeces, which can be passed to young children.”

MAKING A BIG DRAW IN BROADSTAIRS

Broadstairs will be seeing some fishy followings at the beginning of November, as the Big Draw returns to the town.

The event is part of the wide range of events, organised by the Thanet Coast Project, to celebrate Kent Coastal Week, which runs from Saturday 24 October through to Sunday 1 November under the theme of 'fishing and eating for a healthy sea'.

Thanet Coast's Big Draw takes place this year on Sunday 1 November at 11am at Viking Bay, with the storytelling theme of "fishy followings" led by Scandalmongers this year.

Thanet Coast Project Manager, Tony Child, said: "The Big Draw is always a popular event every year and it's a great way for families to get involved to create a breathtaking art masterpiece on one of Thanet's beautiful beaches. In previous years, we've had some wonderful creations that have been well worth seeing and I'm sure that this year's unusual story and art combination - ending with a 'mighty conch shell' - will be no exception to that."

The 10th national Big Draw is a month-long campaign of drawing events for people of all ages and abilities. It spans art, science, design and the environment, and connects generations and communities to show drawing can be an enjoyable and fun.

To take part in this year's Big Draw, meet at Broadstairs Harbour, opposite the Tartar Frigate. If you want to see the finish product, head down to Viking Bay on Sunday 1 November at 1pm

For further information and to reserve your places, you can book online at www.thanetcoast.org.uk or telephone through Thanet Visitor Centres on 0870 2646111.

Last weeks planning applications,

Sorry about the delay in putting up stuff on this blog.

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


15 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0627
332 MARGATE ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT12 6SQ
current
15 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0668
26 EDITH ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT11 DEN
current
15 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0737
THE SURGERYUNION ROWMARGATECT9 1PP
current
15 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0764
31 WESTOVER ROAD, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 3ES
current
15 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0778
4 THE RIDINGS, MARGATE, CT9 3EJ
current
15 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0781
36 NORTHUMBERLAND AVENUE, MARGATE, CT9 3BW
current
15 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0782
40 DANE ROAD, BIRCHINGTON, CT7 9PT
current
15 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0788
30 WESTFIELD ROAD, BIRCHINGTON, CT7 9RW
current
15 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0792
189 CANTERBURY ROAD, MARGATE, CT9 5DA
current
15 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0802
6 WINDSOR CLOSE, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 2TF
current
15 Oct 2009
L/TH/09/0731
84 MONKTON STREET MONKTON RAMSGATE CT124JF
current
13 Oct 2009
C/TH/09/0769
5 SHAFTSBURY STREET RAMSGATE CT118JG
current
13 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0742
7 HOLLY LANE MARGATE CT93NA
current
13 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0759
35 CROSS ROAD BIRCHINGTON CT79HW
current
13 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0763
14 BARN CRESCENT MARGATE CT95HF
current
13 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0771
3 KNIGHTS AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT101EJ
current
13 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0774
25 NORTHUMBERLAND AVENUE MARGATE CT93BW
current
13 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0783
18 KING STREET RAMSGATE CT118NW
current
13 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0785
12 SOUTHWOOD GARDENS RAMSGATE CT110BQ
current
13 Oct 2009
L/TH/09/0762
12 HAWLEY SQUARE MARGATE CT91PF
current
13 Oct 2009
CD/TH/09/0639
4 DORCAS GARDENS BROADSTAIRS CT101BS
decided
13 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0083
67 - 73 NORTHDOWN ROAD, MARGATE
current
13 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0747
3 DUNSTAN AVENUE WESTGATE-ON-SEA CT88HS
current
06 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0628
13 MARKET PLACE MARGATE CT91ES
current
06 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0736
THE QUEX PARK ESTATES CO LTD QUEX PARK BIRCHINGTON CT70BH
current
06 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0745
CHERRY TREES CALLIS COURT ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT103AG
current
06 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0746
71 FITZROY AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT103LT
current
06 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0752
36 MONTEFIORE AVENUE RAMSGATE CT118BE
current
06 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0761
19 WESTERN ESPLANADE BROADSTAIRS CT101TD
current
06 Oct 2009
F/TH/09/0765
22 MINSTER ROAD RAMSGATE CT110JL
current
06 Oct 2009
L/TH/09/0725
13 MARKET PLACE MARGATE CT91ES
current