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."
Monday, 16 November 2009
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.
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.
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
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."
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."
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."
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.
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,
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
09 Nov 2009
A/TH/09/0870
BOOTS THE CHEMISTS LTD 14 HIGH STREET BROADSTAIRS CT101LH
current
09 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0755
METHODIST CHURCH AND METHODIST CHURCH HALL, BUCKINGHAM ROAD, MARGATE, CT9 5SR
current
09 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0808
CAPITAL HOUSE NORTHDOWN ROAD MARGATE CT91QH
current
09 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0810
28 NICHOLAS DRIVE CLIFFSEND RAMSGATE CT125JS
current
09 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0822
6 & 7 WILLSONS MEWS, WILLSONS ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT11 9FF
current
09 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0824
58 & 58A, ALBION STREET, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 1NF
current
09 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0828
74 HIGH STREET RAMSGATE CT119RS
current
09 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0847
187 WESTBROOK AVENUE MARGATE CT95HN
current
09 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0859
14 CANUTE ROAD BIRCHINGTON CT79QJ
current
09 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0873
26 SURREY ROAD CLIFTONVILLE MARGATE CT92LA
current
09 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0876
38 THE WARREN DRIVE WESTGATE-ON-SEA CT88JB
current
09 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0882
BRADSTOW SCHOOL 34 DUMPTON PARK DRIVE BROADSTAIRS CT101BY
current
09 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0884
LAND BETWEEN 58 & 60 STATION ROAD, BIRCHINGTON
current
09 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0894
6-8 OAKLANDS AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT102SQ
current
09 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0896
22 WESTCLIFF ROAD MARGATE CT95DN
current
09 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0900
34 HIGH STREET MANSTON RAMSGATE CT125BG
current
09 Nov 2009
L/TH/09/0760
UPPER LODGE NETHERCOURT HILL RAMSGATE CT110RX
current
03 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0779
10 BERESFORD ROAD RAMSGATE CT119BH
current
03 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0872
LAND BETWEEN 156 AND 162, GRANGE ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT11 9PR
current
03 Nov 2009
L/TH/09/0758
BARFIELD HOUSE, 32 ALBION STREET, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 1LU
current
03 Nov 2009
L/TH/09/0787
80 MONKTON STREET MONKTON RAMSGATE CT124JF
current
03 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0674
15 HAROLD AVENUE WESTGATE-ON-SEA CT88QU
current
03 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0806
23 VICTORIA PARADE BROADSTAIRS CT101QL
current
03 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0814
102 PIERREMONT AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT101NT
current
03 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0833
15 GRANVILLE ROAD BROADSTAIRS KENT CT101QB
current
03 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0846
THE CENTRE, NEWINGTON, RAMSGATE, CT12 6LB
current
03 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0851
3 ST CLEMENTS ROAD, WESTGATE ON SEA, CT8 8RP
current
03 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0855
FLAT 1 SOWELL STREET BROADSTAIRS CT102AT
current
03 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0856
115 DANE ROAD MARGATE CT92AF
current
03 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0860
80 BROADSTAIRS ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT102RU
current
03 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0864
3 ALMA PLACE, RAMSGATE, CT11 8PZ
current
03 Nov 2009
L/TH/09/0825
4 FORT CRESCENT MARGATE CT91HN
current
03 Nov 2009
L/TH/09/0857
CROQUET LAWNS, ROYAL ESPLANADE, RAMSGATE, CT11 2HE
current
03 Nov 2009
L/TH/09/0858
RAMSGATE RAILWAY STATION STATION APPROACH ROAD RAMSGATE CT117RE
current
09 Nov 2009
A/TH/09/0870
BOOTS THE CHEMISTS LTD 14 HIGH STREET BROADSTAIRS CT101LH
current
09 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0755
METHODIST CHURCH AND METHODIST CHURCH HALL, BUCKINGHAM ROAD, MARGATE, CT9 5SR
current
09 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0808
CAPITAL HOUSE NORTHDOWN ROAD MARGATE CT91QH
current
09 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0810
28 NICHOLAS DRIVE CLIFFSEND RAMSGATE CT125JS
current
09 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0822
6 & 7 WILLSONS MEWS, WILLSONS ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT11 9FF
current
09 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0824
58 & 58A, ALBION STREET, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 1NF
current
09 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0828
74 HIGH STREET RAMSGATE CT119RS
current
09 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0847
187 WESTBROOK AVENUE MARGATE CT95HN
current
09 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0859
14 CANUTE ROAD BIRCHINGTON CT79QJ
current
09 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0873
26 SURREY ROAD CLIFTONVILLE MARGATE CT92LA
current
09 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0876
38 THE WARREN DRIVE WESTGATE-ON-SEA CT88JB
current
09 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0882
BRADSTOW SCHOOL 34 DUMPTON PARK DRIVE BROADSTAIRS CT101BY
current
09 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0884
LAND BETWEEN 58 & 60 STATION ROAD, BIRCHINGTON
current
09 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0894
6-8 OAKLANDS AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT102SQ
current
09 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0896
22 WESTCLIFF ROAD MARGATE CT95DN
current
09 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0900
34 HIGH STREET MANSTON RAMSGATE CT125BG
current
09 Nov 2009
L/TH/09/0760
UPPER LODGE NETHERCOURT HILL RAMSGATE CT110RX
current
03 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0779
10 BERESFORD ROAD RAMSGATE CT119BH
current
03 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0872
LAND BETWEEN 156 AND 162, GRANGE ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT11 9PR
current
03 Nov 2009
L/TH/09/0758
BARFIELD HOUSE, 32 ALBION STREET, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 1LU
current
03 Nov 2009
L/TH/09/0787
80 MONKTON STREET MONKTON RAMSGATE CT124JF
current
03 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0674
15 HAROLD AVENUE WESTGATE-ON-SEA CT88QU
current
03 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0806
23 VICTORIA PARADE BROADSTAIRS CT101QL
current
03 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0814
102 PIERREMONT AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT101NT
current
03 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0833
15 GRANVILLE ROAD BROADSTAIRS KENT CT101QB
current
03 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0846
THE CENTRE, NEWINGTON, RAMSGATE, CT12 6LB
current
03 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0851
3 ST CLEMENTS ROAD, WESTGATE ON SEA, CT8 8RP
current
03 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0855
FLAT 1 SOWELL STREET BROADSTAIRS CT102AT
current
03 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0856
115 DANE ROAD MARGATE CT92AF
current
03 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0860
80 BROADSTAIRS ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT102RU
current
03 Nov 2009
F/TH/09/0864
3 ALMA PLACE, RAMSGATE, CT11 8PZ
current
03 Nov 2009
L/TH/09/0825
4 FORT CRESCENT MARGATE CT91HN
current
03 Nov 2009
L/TH/09/0857
CROQUET LAWNS, ROYAL ESPLANADE, RAMSGATE, CT11 2HE
current
03 Nov 2009
L/TH/09/0858
RAMSGATE RAILWAY STATION STATION APPROACH ROAD RAMSGATE CT117RE
current
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
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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
NEWS RELEASE
Landlords who let their properties fall into a poor state of repair may find themselves charged by the council in the future, if an enforcement notice has to be issued against them.
Cabinet Members last night (Thursday 5 November) agreed the plan, which would see landlords being charged when improvement notices, prohibition orders, emergency prohibition orders or demolition orders are issued or emergency remedial action is taken.
Charges will be made on a case-by-case basis, with officer time charged for on a minute-by-minute basis. With improvement notices, a demand will only be issued, if the notice is not complied with.
Surveys of other Kent authorities show that a number are already charging for these services, with others considering introducing similar charges.
Between April and August 2009, the council’s Housing Improvement Team served 17 improvement notices, one prohibition order and six emergency prohibition orders. If these had been charged for, the total fees due would be around £13,000.
Tanya Wenham, Housing Improvement Manager, said: “Thanet has one of the largest stocks of privately rented homes in south east England and, where landlords fail to keep their properties maintained to acceptable standards, it can take our team many hours to deal with the resulting problems. Introducing these charges should act as a deterrent to landlords allowing their properties to fall into disrepair. It’s only right that landlords should be the ones footing the bill for this work, rather than the ordinary Council Tax payer.”
Cabinet Members last night (Thursday 5 November) agreed the plan, which would see landlords being charged when improvement notices, prohibition orders, emergency prohibition orders or demolition orders are issued or emergency remedial action is taken.
Charges will be made on a case-by-case basis, with officer time charged for on a minute-by-minute basis. With improvement notices, a demand will only be issued, if the notice is not complied with.
Surveys of other Kent authorities show that a number are already charging for these services, with others considering introducing similar charges.
Between April and August 2009, the council’s Housing Improvement Team served 17 improvement notices, one prohibition order and six emergency prohibition orders. If these had been charged for, the total fees due would be around £13,000.
Tanya Wenham, Housing Improvement Manager, said: “Thanet has one of the largest stocks of privately rented homes in south east England and, where landlords fail to keep their properties maintained to acceptable standards, it can take our team many hours to deal with the resulting problems. Introducing these charges should act as a deterrent to landlords allowing their properties to fall into disrepair. It’s only right that landlords should be the ones footing the bill for this work, rather than the ordinary Council Tax payer.”
Thursday, 5 November 2009
Granddaughter of Sir Winston Churchill speaking in Sandwich
Do join us at A buffet lunch with wine
Guest Speaker, Celia Sandys,
Granddaughter of Sir Winston Churchill.
internationally acclaimed author, Churchill scholar,
journalist and TV personality.
At the Guildhall, Cattle Market, Sandwich.
On Saturday the 21st of November 2009, 12:00 noon.
Please RSVP to stca@btinternet.com Tickets: £ 10.00
Guest Speaker, Celia Sandys,
Granddaughter of Sir Winston Churchill.
internationally acclaimed author, Churchill scholar,
journalist and TV personality.
At the Guildhall, Cattle Market, Sandwich.
On Saturday the 21st of November 2009, 12:00 noon.
Please RSVP to stca@btinternet.com Tickets: £ 10.00
Wednesday, 4 November 2009
SHOP LOCAL FIRST INTERACTIVE SHOPPING LAUNCH
Temporary tattoos, free food and drink, fortune readings and a photographic exhibition are just some of the many activities planned to celebrate the official launch of the Shop Local First incentive card on Saturday 14 November.
Over 40 businesses are taking part in this interactive shopping event, which will be taking place in the five pilot shopping areas of Birchington, Broadstairs, Cliftonville's Northdown Road, Margate and Ramsgate, with local shops offering even more reasons shop locally.
Amongst the activities planned are free temporary tattoos at the Emporium and an exhibition of Margate in the 1950s at the Helter Skelter Boutique, both in Margate.
In Ramsgate, you can get 25% off therapies and £10 for a fortune read at Earth Angels, while there's the offer of a free hot drink with sandwiches at Baguette-up.
Simtech Computer Systems in Northdown Road are offering free help with the Internet, digital photos and using e-mail, while you can design and print your own ceramic mug and take home the finished product, free of charge, at Embroidme, also in Northdown Road.
Offers in Broadstairs include GHD technique demonstrations between 2pm and 3pm on live models at Toffs and Tarts Hair Designers, while you can try out free tea and organic chocolate tasting at Broadstairs Herbal Apothecary.
Visitors to Birchington can enjoy free food tasting of homemade cakes and pastries at Le Café Crème or enter a free raffle to win a celebration cake at the Harbour Bakery.
Food tasting is also available at JC Rooks in Broadstairs, Northdown Road, Ramsgate and Margate, where you can taste sausages and enter a prize draw to win £100 worth of vouchers.
Local people can pick up their Shop First Local Incentive Card from over 100 businesses taking part, in 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 www.thanet.gov.uk/shoplocal or call 01843 577000.
Over 40 businesses are taking part in this interactive shopping event, which will be taking place in the five pilot shopping areas of Birchington, Broadstairs, Cliftonville's Northdown Road, Margate and Ramsgate, with local shops offering even more reasons shop locally.
Amongst the activities planned are free temporary tattoos at the Emporium and an exhibition of Margate in the 1950s at the Helter Skelter Boutique, both in Margate.
In Ramsgate, you can get 25% off therapies and £10 for a fortune read at Earth Angels, while there's the offer of a free hot drink with sandwiches at Baguette-up.
Simtech Computer Systems in Northdown Road are offering free help with the Internet, digital photos and using e-mail, while you can design and print your own ceramic mug and take home the finished product, free of charge, at Embroidme, also in Northdown Road.
Offers in Broadstairs include GHD technique demonstrations between 2pm and 3pm on live models at Toffs and Tarts Hair Designers, while you can try out free tea and organic chocolate tasting at Broadstairs Herbal Apothecary.
Visitors to Birchington can enjoy free food tasting of homemade cakes and pastries at Le Café Crème or enter a free raffle to win a celebration cake at the Harbour Bakery.
Food tasting is also available at JC Rooks in Broadstairs, Northdown Road, Ramsgate and Margate, where you can taste sausages and enter a prize draw to win £100 worth of vouchers.
Local people can pick up their Shop First Local Incentive Card from over 100 businesses taking part, in 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 www.thanet.gov.uk/shoplocal or call 01843 577000.
RESPONSE TO THE REPORT ON STANDARDS IN PUBLIC LIFE
The Committee on Standards in Public Life has, today, published the “Kelly Report”.
Family members, employed by Members of Parliament, wish to respond to today’s launch which has finally been delivered after days of leaks and speculation. They have said:
“We are sure we speak on behalf of a large number of the very many hardworking colleagues who work for their parliamentary husbands and wives. First, we are of the opinion that the “family members” matter is an employment issue that should have been addressed entirely separately from the rest of an inquiry which relates to MPs’ allowances and expenses. The matter of employment
should be examined as a separate entity by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority when the new committee sits in the Spring, 2010.
Now that this report is in the public arena we wish to see the question of employment removed and looked at separately.
A number of working spouses made submissions to the Committee on Standards in Public Life, and some gave evidence in person, in the expectation that the unique nature of the job that we do would be recognised. Sadly this has proven not to be the case. The proposed “transitional arrangements” do not address or recognise the value of existing arrangements.
We have explained in detail the work that we do, and we believe we give value for money to the taxpayer – indeed, we are taxpayers ourselves.
We are a highly professional group of people, dedicated to serving our MP’s constituents. Like other workers we have Contracts of Employment and we are paid to scales scrutinised and approved by the House authorities. If anyone wishes to follow an “audit trail” our records of work are open and entirely transparent.
We are all only too aware that a very few abuses of the employment of family members have done a great deal of damage to the reputation of those working for MPs to whom they are related. We, of course, wish to see that damage redressed while at the same time recognising the very real contribution that working spouses and other family members can continue to make to the smooth and efficient running of parliamentary and constituency offices.
The Kelly Report will now be considered, before implementation, by the IPSA. We hope and expect that Andrew MacDonald, the CEO, and his new team will not only examine the Kelly findings but will re-visit the submissions that we have made and we stand ready to, once again, give evidence to IPSA in an endeavour to deliver a satisfactory way forward.”
Family members, employed by Members of Parliament, wish to respond to today’s launch which has finally been delivered after days of leaks and speculation. They have said:
“We are sure we speak on behalf of a large number of the very many hardworking colleagues who work for their parliamentary husbands and wives. First, we are of the opinion that the “family members” matter is an employment issue that should have been addressed entirely separately from the rest of an inquiry which relates to MPs’ allowances and expenses. The matter of employment
should be examined as a separate entity by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority when the new committee sits in the Spring, 2010.
Now that this report is in the public arena we wish to see the question of employment removed and looked at separately.
A number of working spouses made submissions to the Committee on Standards in Public Life, and some gave evidence in person, in the expectation that the unique nature of the job that we do would be recognised. Sadly this has proven not to be the case. The proposed “transitional arrangements” do not address or recognise the value of existing arrangements.
We have explained in detail the work that we do, and we believe we give value for money to the taxpayer – indeed, we are taxpayers ourselves.
We are a highly professional group of people, dedicated to serving our MP’s constituents. Like other workers we have Contracts of Employment and we are paid to scales scrutinised and approved by the House authorities. If anyone wishes to follow an “audit trail” our records of work are open and entirely transparent.
We are all only too aware that a very few abuses of the employment of family members have done a great deal of damage to the reputation of those working for MPs to whom they are related. We, of course, wish to see that damage redressed while at the same time recognising the very real contribution that working spouses and other family members can continue to make to the smooth and efficient running of parliamentary and constituency offices.
The Kelly Report will now be considered, before implementation, by the IPSA. We hope and expect that Andrew MacDonald, the CEO, and his new team will not only examine the Kelly findings but will re-visit the submissions that we have made and we stand ready to, once again, give evidence to IPSA in an endeavour to deliver a satisfactory way forward.”
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
AWARD FOR VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRES
Margate and Ramsgate's Visitor Information Centres have come third in the regional awards for the Tourist Information Service of the Year.Organised by Tourism South East, the Tourism ExSEllence Awards, cover all sectors of the industry, from bed and breakfast businesses to hotels and visitor experiences and aim to recognise excellence, quality and innovation.
Thanet came third in its category, taking a highly commended award, behind Portsmouth and Windsor, and beating other Visitor Information services from around the south east. Awards were presented by Giles Brandeth at the ceremony at the Wentworth Club in Surrey.
The success follows the transformation of both the service and the team, with the refurbishment of both centres and the team working more closely with the local community and tourism businesses. Additional facilities have also been introduced, including public Internet access, increased booking facilities and a wider range of local gifts.
David Gonzalez, Principal Visitor Services Officer, said: "The whole team is delighted with what we've achieved in a relatively short time. It was our first time entering the competition and to come third is a real result. The judges stated that the quality of submissions in this category was extremely high this year, so being a finalist was a great achievement. Portsmouth, the winners in our category, have been entering for the last six years, which just emphasises how well we did. Giles Brandeth showed real interest in Thanet and was very keen to learn more about what the area has to offer visitors. I'd like to thank everyone who's supported us over the last few months, both from the council and from Thanet's tourism industry.”
MAJOR CLEAN-UP FOR MANSTON PROPERTY
A major clean-up, lasting four weeks, has been carried out, after large amounts of rubbish were dumped at a property in Manston.Thanet District Council’s Environmental Protection Team became involved, after receiving complaints from local people and following an article in a local newspaper, about the problems at the Old Mushroom Farm, Manston Road.
They were able to locate the owner of the property, who lives abroad, and their agent in the UK. They were all unaware of the state that the land was in and the amount of rubbish being dumped there.
The council worked closely with the owners, e-mailing them pictures of the site and details of the problem, prior to site visits being carried out. The agents employed a local firm to clear away the rubbish and secure the site, which took four weeks. Rubbish removed included hazardous waste. 
All open entrances have been bolted shut and the windows boarded up, with soil bunds constructed at both the side and front entrances to prevent access and any further fly tipping. Since the work has been completed, there have been no further complaints of dumped rubbish in the area.
The council worked closely with the owners, e-mailing them pictures of the site and details of the problem, prior to site visits being carried out. The agents employed a local firm to clear away the rubbish and secure the site, which took four weeks. Rubbish removed included hazardous waste. All open entrances have been bolted shut and the windows boarded up, with soil bunds constructed at both the side and front entrances to prevent access and any further fly tipping. Since the work has been completed, there have been no further complaints of dumped rubbish in the area.Environmental Protection Manager, Penny Button, said: “The owners of this property were understandably horrified when they found out about the condition of the site and worked with us to get it cleared up. This is a great example of how the council can work with a land owner to resolve a problem, without the need for formal notices or legal action.”
South Thanet MP Stephen Ladyman puts himself in the shoes of a shopworker
Steve Ladyman MP put himself in the shoes of a shopworker trying to decide whether a young person is old enough to buy alcohol.The event in Westminster was part of retail union Usdaw’s Freedom From Fear campaign. This year the campaign is focussing on the difficult decisions shopworkers face on a daily basis when trying to decide whether someone looks old enough to buy alcohol or other age-restricted goods.
Steve said:
“This exercise made me realise just how hard it is to tell the age of a young person. Shopworkers have to make that on-the-spot judgement all the time. Refusing to serve someone who is underage is often a flashpoint for abuse, both physical and verbal, but even asking for ID is often enough to make many people kick-off at the shopworker.
“On the other hand, if the shopworker serves someone who is underage, they are liable to an £80 fixed penalty notice, with repeated breaches incurring a court appearance or a fine of up to £1,000.
“Shopworkers aren’t paid huge amounts and they are in a difficult position of having to guess who to challenge. I hope that shoppers in South Thanet will be patient with shopworkers and produce ID if asked.
“I am also asking the Government to look at whether the balance is right on this issue. I believe that there is too much responsibility on the shopworker and not enough on the person who is attempting to buy underage. I want it made clear to youngsters that it is illegal for them to attempt to purchase alcohol underage. I also want to see local retailers display that information prominently in their stores”
John Hannett, Usdaw General Secretary, added:
“We are delighted that Steve is supporting our campaign on behalf of shopworkers in South Thanet.
“We want to raise awareness of this issue amongst young people at schools and collages, so that they know to carry proof of age when buying restricted goods.
“We also want employers to understand the pressures that their staff face and to support them with simple reporting systems, prompt response when a threatened worker calls for help and banning persistent offenders from stores.
“In addition, Usdaw is campaigning with the Government. We are asking them to introduce a single, national proof of age card, to make it easier for workers to check the person’s age when needed.
“And we want to see a change in the law to make it an offence for an under age person to attempt to buy any age-restricted product or for an adult to proxy purchase any age-restricted product. This would make things simpler and fairer, allowing the authorities to take action against purchasers as well as sellers.”
Usdaw’s Respect Week is 2-6 November 2009.
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