Wednesday 30 September 2009

COMPETITION HEATS UP FOR THANET SPORTS AWARDS

More than 130 nominations have been received for the first Thanet Sports Awards, which have been organised by the Thanet Sports Network.

The sports awards aim to recognise those who have achieved in the last year or who have gone the extra mile in sport in Thanet.

The Thanet Sports Network is a group of public, private and voluntary sector organisations, who are working together to increase sporting opportunities in Thanet. The first sports award ceremony will be held at Margate's Winter Gardens on Wednesday 11 November between 7pm and 9pm, with local and regional sports representatives attending.

Phil Pittock, member of the Thanet Sports Network, said: "We're delighted with both the quantity and quality of the award entries we've received. Considering this is the first year that we've run the Sports Awards, to get more than 130 entries is absolutely superb and just goes to show how much sporting success we have here in Thanet. Everyone involved in the Thanet Sports Network is now really looking forward to the awards ceremony in November and recognising those who have made a great contribution to sport in Thanet over the last year."

The ceremony will see awards handed out in 11 categories, which are Coach of the Year, Club of the Year, Disabled Sportsperson of the Year, Individual Sporting Achievement, Long Service Award, Unsung Hero, Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year, Team and Young Team of the Year and Young Sportsperson of the Year.

Sponsors of the Thanet Sports Awards are Thanet Distict Council, Kent County Council, Orbit South Housing, Skip 2BFit, Pfizer, Embroid Me, the Eastern and Coastal Kent PCT, the KM Group, Thanet Leisureforce and DJ Ellis.

Tuesday 29 September 2009

MILLMEAD SEES RESULTS OF CRIME INITIATIVE

An update has been given on the results achieved by the Community Safety Partnership in Millmead.

The AGM at SureStart Millmead heard that overall crime in the area has reduced by 7.9%, with 69 less cases of criminal damage this year, compared to 2008. This is the best result in the whole of Thanet in terms of criminal damage.

Since work began in Millmead, Community Payback and Hang 10 have carried out litter picks and graffiti removal, which has made a significant difference to the appearance of the area. Residents have also been written to about fly tipping and the fines that can be imposed.

Repeat problem tenants have been evicted, with operations also taking place to target the problem of mini motos in the area. The Safer Spring initiative resulted in more than 50 stop and searches and a number of alcohol seizures from youths.

Local people have been kept updated with progress through newsletters, leaflets, crime contact cards, updates on noticeboards and work by PCSOs, community wardens and the council's housing team.

A number of community events have also been held, including Easter Blast, the D Day celebration and regular meetings now take place of the local PACT panel (Partners and Communities Together) and the Community Action Group. There are youth activities every night from Sport 4NRG, Charlton Athletic, Hang 10, SureStart for Teenagers and the local PCSOs.

Tiffany Hall, Neighbourhood Crime and Justice Coordinator, said: "These results have only been achieved through everyone working together. In particular, SureStart Millmead have supported our work throughout and the council, along with police, have played a valuable part in helping to tackle the problems on the estate. It's very obvious the difference that our work has been on the estate. You only need to look at the before and after photos that we've taken there to see what an impact we've had."

Monday 28 September 2009

SHORTLISTING SUCCESS FOR VISITOR INFORMATION

Margate and Ramsgate's Visitor Information Centres have been jointly shortlisted as a finalist in regional awards for the Tourist Information Service of the Year.

The Tourism ExSEllence Awards, organised by Tourism South East, recognise excellence, quality and innovation and award categories cover all sectors of the industry, from bed and breakfast businesses to hotels and visitor experiences.

Thanet will be competing against Brighton, Portsmouth and Windsor, with the winner due to be announced at an awards ceremony in October. Regional winners will go on to compete in the national EnjoyEngland Awards for Excellence in 2010.

The shortlisting comes after the transformation of both the service and the team, including the refurbishment of both centres, with the team working more closely with the local community and tourism businesses and the introduction of additional facilities, such as public Internet access, increased booking facilities and a wider range of local gifts.

Cllr. Shirley Tomlinson, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said: "Just to be short-listed shows just how much progress our Visitor Information service has made over the last 18 months. Much of that is down to the commitment and hard work of our Information Team and the support provided by the council and our tourism groups, such as the Isle of Thanet Tourism Association, Margate and Ramsgate Town Partnerships and the Broadstairs Tourism and Leisure Association."

New documents published by Thanet District Council,

29/09/2009 - Meeting scheduled: Sep 29 2009 6:30PM, Governance and Audit Committee

24/09/2009 - Minutes published: Meeting of Sep 16 2009 7:00PM, Planning Committee

24/09/2009 - Agenda supplement published - Supplementary Agenda : Supplementary Agenda: Meeting of Oct 1 2009 7:00PM, Overview and Scrutiny Panel

21/09/2009 - Agenda published: Meeting of Oct 1 2009 5:00PM, Asset Management Working Group

21/09/2009 - Agenda published: Meeting of Sep 29 2009 6:30PM, Governance and Audit Committee

21/09/2009 - Agenda published: Meeting of Oct 1 2009 7:00PM, Overview and Scrutiny Panel

18/09/2009 - Minutes published: Meeting of Sep 17 2009 7:00PM, Cabinet

17/09/2009 - Meeting held: Sep 17 2009 7:00PM, Cabinet

17/09/2009 - Meeting held: Sep 17 2009 5:00PM, Airport Working Party

16/09/2009 - Meeting held: Sep 16 2009 7:00PM, Planning Committee

16/09/2009 - Publication of plan: Forward Plan for period from 1 October 2009 to 1 April 2010

15/09/2009 - Meeting held: Sep 15 2009 11:00AM, Licensing Sub Commitee

15/09/2009 - Meeting held: Sep 15 2009 10:00AM, Licensing Board

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

25 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0636
3 THE HAWTHORNS BROADSTAIRS CT102NG
current
25 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0678
6 BROMSTONE ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT102HA
current
25 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0702
HARTSDOWN LEISURE CENTRE HARTSDOWN PARK MARGATE CT95QX
current
25 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0704
126 EATON ROAD MARGATE CT91XA
current
25 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0732
LAND ADJACENT TO 10 BERKELEY ROAD BIRCHINGTON CT79JR
current
24 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0707
73 NORFOLK ROAD CLIFTONVILLE MARGATE CT92HJ
current
24 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0735
LAND ADJACENT TO 10 MONTEFIORE COTTAGES RAMSGATE CT117HP
current
21 Sep 2009
A/TH/09/0675
NANDOS, 49 WESTWOOD CROSS, MARGATE ROAD, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 3BF
current
21 Sep 2009
A/TH/09/0709
THE SWAN, 75 SEA ROAD, WESTGATE ON SEA,WESTGATE-ON-SEA, CTB BQG
current
21 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0642
8A ST. MILDREDS ROAD MINSTER RAMSGATE CT124DE
current
21 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0684
14 QUEEN BERTHAS AVENUE BIRCHINGTON CT79BJ
current
21 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0686
4 northdown parade, prices avenue, margate, ct9 2nr
current
21 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0688
BIRCHINGTON CLUB 31 STATION ROAD BIRCHINGTON CT79DJ
current
21 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0691
LAURISTON JOSS GAP ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT103PG
current
21 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0708
BALMORAL MANSIONS FLAT 1 27 ALBION STREET BROADSTAIRS CT101LU
current
21 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0714
AN CALADH NORTH FORELAND AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT103QR
current
21 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0715
THANET COLLEGE RAMSGATE ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT101PN
current
21 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0716
BOOTS THE CHEMIST, 69 HIGH STREET, MARGATE, CT9 1JN
current
21 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0717
BROADSTAIRS SAILING CLUB, HARBOUR STREET, BROADSTAIRS
current
21 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0718
THE SQUAREHEAD JETTY BUILDING, THE HARBOUR,BROADSTAIRS
current
21 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0723
163 RAMSGATE ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT102EP
current
21 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0724
57 LINDENTHORPE ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT101DB
current
21 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0730
25 ROYAL ESPLANADE MARGATE CT95DZ
current
21 Sep 2009
L/TH/09/0713
CHATHAM HOUSE GRAMMAR SCHOOL CHATHAM STREET RAMSGATE CT117PS
current

Monday 21 September 2009

FALSE CLAIMS LEAD TO COMMUNITY PUNISHMENT ORDERS

Two women from Thanet have been given Community Punishment Orders, after falsely claiming that they were both lone parents.

In the first case, Julie Sheringham (24), formerly of William Avenue, Margate, failed to notify the council and the Department of Work and Pensions that she was living with her partner. As a result, she was overpaid £390.79 in Council Tax Benefit, £5,642.32 in Income Support and £1,852.72 in Housing Benefit. She admitted the offences when interviewed and pleaded guilty to the offences at the earliest opportunity.

She was ordered to complete a Community Punishment Order for 240 hours unpaid work and was given a Compensation Order for £1,596.80, in relation to the Housing Benefit overpayment, to be paid at a rate of £10 per week. She was also ordered to pay £150 costs.

In a separate case, Stacey Watkins (29) from Camden Road, Broadstairs failed to notify the council that her child was a close relative of the landlord. As a result, she was not entitled to claim Housing Benefit for the property. She was interviewed twice, first stating that her child was not related to the landlord, then saying that she may be. In total, she was overpaid £3,130.07.

She attended court and pleaded guilty to the charge. She was sentenced to an 18 month Community Punishment Order for 120 hours unpaid work. She was also given a Compensation Order for £2,970.07 in relation to the Housing Benefit overpayment, to be paid at a rate of £40 per month. Due to her limited income, she was not made to pay the costs of £150.

Cllr. Simon Moores, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, said: "These cases both highlight the range of sanctions that can await those who try to falsely claim benefits. It's a further stark reminder that, if you claim you are living alone, when in fact you are living with someone, action may be taken against you to reclaim the benefits you are paid. Reductions are only given to those living on their own and, if your circumstances change, you need to notify the council as soon as possible."

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

ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR INJUNCTION SERVED

An Anti-Social Behaviour Injunction has been granted against a resident of a tower block in Ramsgate.

Thanet District Council applied to the courts for the injunction against Louis Bedingfield of Trove Court in Newcastle Hill. It followed reports of rubbish being thrown from the balcony, excessively loud music and general anti-social behaviour.

The court ordered that Mr. Bedingfield, or anyone visiting him, was forbidden from behaving in any way that would cause nuisance or annoyance to the residents of Trove Court, or within the general vicinity of the tower block. He was also forbidden from causing damage to possessions at the home of any other resident of Trove Court. The order remains in force until 11 March 2010 and also forbids Mr. Bedingfield from instructing or encouraging anyone else to cause nuisance or damage.

If this injunction is broken, then he could be arrested. The injunction was served on him on Wednesday 15 September.

Cllr. Zita Wiltshire, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: "The council will not tolerate anti-social behaviour amongst its tenants and, where there are issues, we will take action, as we have done in this case and in previous similar cases. We have a responsibility to all our other tenants to ensure than their quality of life is not impacted upon by an irresponsible minority. I would urge tenants and visitors to Trove Court to alert the council, if they are aware of any breach to this injunction, so that we can take further action as required."

To report any breach of the injunction, call Thanet Council's housing department on 01843 577262.

CRIME REDUCING IN NEWINGTON

New figures show criminal damage has more than halved in Newington, with violence down by more than 20%, as a result of recent initiatives to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

It comes after anti-social behaviour orders were given to five youths last month (August), responsible for a range of problems on the Newington estate, in a civil case brought by Thanet District Council and supported by Kent Police, on behalf of the Thanet Community Safety Partnership. The first action in the case was taken in May 2008, with interim ASBOs issued in December of that year.

The figures from Kent Police show that there were 35 incidents of criminal damage between April and July 2009, compared to 76 during the same period 12 months earlier. That's a reduction of 54%. Violent attacks also fell from 45 in 2008 to 36 in 2009, with anti-social behaviour dropping by 3.3%, compared to the previous year.

The total number of offences also fell in the Newington ward, by 20% from a total of 948 between April 2006 and May 2007 to 763 between April 2008 and May 2009.

Community Safety Manager Mark Richardson said: "These new figures show just what an impact the targeted work that we're undertaking to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in Thanet is having. The Community Safety Partnership has been working on projects aimed at tackling crime hot-spots across the area and, in this case, it's definitely shown results. Behind the figures are real improvements to people's quality of life on the Newington estate. A lot of that is down to the residents themselves, who came forward to stand up against what was happening on the estate. Their determination is already bringing benefits and hopefully we'll continue to see an improving picture in Newington, as far as crime and anti-social behaviour goes."

Chief Inspector Mitchell Fox from Kent Police said: "The residents have had their lives made a misery by a few mindless individuals. The determination of the police, council and the local community working together to address anti-social behaviour has led to the courts issuing these five ASBOs. This demonstrates that we are listening and delivering on real quality of life issues and thereby making Newington a better and safer community."

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

17 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0630
53 INGOLDSBY ROAD BIRCHINGTON CT79PJ
current
17 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0638
3 GOLDEN ACRE LANE WESTGATE-ON-SEA CT88HE
current
17 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0648
16 STATION APPROACH BIRCHINGTON CT79RD
current
17 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0660
REGELLE CLIFF ROAD BIRCHINGTON CT79LS
current
17 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0673
7 RYDERS AVENUE WESTGATE-ON-SEA CT88LN
current
17 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0676
28 ROSSETTI ROAD BIRCHINGTON CT79ER
current
17 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0695
61-67 HIGH STREET & 1-7 QUEEN STREET MARGATE
current
17 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0703
52 LISTER ROAD MARGATE CT94AF
current
17 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0711
42A TOTHILL STREET RAMSGATE CT124AJ
current
17 Sep 2009
L/TH/09/0696
61-67 HIGH STREET & 1-7 QUEEN STREET MARGATE
current
17 Sep 2009
OL/TH/09/0699
FORMER GARAGES (ADJ. 82-90) CHICHESTER ROAD RAMSGATE CT126NZ
current
17 Sep 2009
OL/TH/09/0705
GARAGES, ST. CHRISTOPHER CLOSE MARGATE
current
17 Sep 2009
OL/TH/09/0706
GARAGES, PRINCE ANDREW ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT103HD
current
14 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0646
KITCHEN EQUIPMENT DEALERS 28-30 MARGATE ROAD RAMSGATE CT117SG
current
14 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0687
BUILDING ADJACENT TO, 13 ALEXANDRA TERRACE, MARGATE,CT95S0
current
14 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0694
69 HASTINGS AVENUE MARGATE CT92SQ
current
14 Sep 2009
R/TH/09/0683
PENDELL BROADLEY ROAD MARGATE CT93UP
current
14 Sep 2009
A/TH/09/0510
HMV 13 WESTWOOD CROSS, MARGATE ROAD, BROADSTAIRS
decided
14 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0677
REEVES YARD, HAWLEY STREET, MARGATE, CT9 1QA
current
14 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0679
REGENCY COURT FLAT 3 SAINT AUGUSTINES RAMSGATE CT119PN
current
14 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0690
1 PALMERSTON AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT101TQ
current
14 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0693
MALLISDEN HAINE ROAD RAMSGATE CT125AQ
current
14 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0700
87 RAMSGATE ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT102DF
current
14 Sep 2009
L/TH/09/0672
3 RAGLAN PLACE, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 1LW
current
14 Sep 2009
L/TH/09/0701
RAMSGATE RAILWAY STATION STATION APPROACH ROAD RAMSGATE CT117RE
current
14 Sep 2009
R/TH/09/0698
EXPRESSION SIGNS HAINAULT HOUSE HAINE ROAD RAMSGATE CT125ET
current

Friday 18 September 2009

MORE FINES FOR LITTERING AND DOG FOULING

Another 19 people from across Thanet have been fined by the courts, after being caught littering or allowing their dogs to foul.

The latest set of court cases took place in August and September, with 17 people prosecuted for dropping cigarettes. The majority of those were spotted in Margate, while one woman was prosecuted after littering in Hardres Street, Ramsgate.

One person was fined for littering, after dropping paper in Margate High Street, while another was fined for allowing their dog to foul and failing to pick after them in an incident on the grassed area at Minnis Bay, Birchington.

The fines handed out by the courts ranged from £60 to £180, with many receiving the higher fines. They were also all ordered to pay £100 costs and a £15 surcharge, on top of the fines they received.

The latest set of cases mean that 39 people have received fines as part of the council's Drop It and Cop It campaign in the last four months alone.

Cllr. Shirley Tomlinson, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said: "Sadly, these new figures show that obviously the message isn't getting out to the hardcore minority that we have zero tolerance on littering and failing to pick up after your dog. Both are unacceptable and are things that local people have told us they want us to take action on. That's exactly what we're doing and, once again, it's proving to be costly for those who get caught. Why on earth would you risk having to pay potentially up to £300, when all you need to do is use a litter bin? It couldn't be simpler."

COMMUNITY ORDER FOR FRAUDSTER

A Margate man, described as a "defrauding sponger" by the courts, has been sentenced to a 12 month Community Order.

In a joint prosecution undertaken by Thanet District Council and the Department of Work and Pensions, Richard Rogers (34) from Swinford Gardens was ordered to do 220 hours of unpaid work and was also ordered to pay £100 costs.

He pleaded guilty to receiving Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Income Support on the grounds that he was a single parent.

In fact, he had been living with his partner since the birth of their daughter and she was working part-time at a local supermarket.

Between February 2006 and October 2007, Mr. Rogers was overpaid more than £14,000 in benefits, with an overpayment of £8,036.96 in Housing Benefits, £1,327.01 in Council Tax Benefits and £4,815.20 in Income Support.

Cllr. Simon Moores, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, said: "This case sends out a strong message to those who think they can get away with benefit fraud. The timing of this case is particularly appropriate, in the light of the Audit Commission's new report, which reveals that Council Taxpayers could be losing almost £2 million each year to fraudsters, in circumstances similar to this case, where they are claiming they're living alone. Thanet will not tolerate benefit fraud. It's stealing from every honest citizen who pays Council Tax and, where we discover it, we will take vigorous action."

GIVING US BACK OUR FREEDOMS

Having been very involved with this year’s National Convention for Modern Liberty I am very pleased that we as a party are making clear commitments to bring back our freedoms that have been eroded over so many years.

Mr Grieve, the leading civil libertarian in the shadow cabinet, summarises his approach thus:

"This Government's approach to our personal privacy is the worst of all worlds - intrusive, ineffective and enormously expensive. We cannot run government robotically. We cannot protect the public through automated systems. And we cannot eliminate the need for human judgment calls on risk, whether to children, or from criminal and terrorist threats.

"As we have seen time and time again, over-reliance on the database state is a poor substitute for the human judgment and care essential to the delivery of frontline public services. Labour's surveillance state has exposed the public to greater - not less - risk."
In his speech he committed to:

Scrapping the National Identity Register and ContactPoint database.

Establishing clear principles for the use and retention of DNA on the National DNA Database,
including ending the permanent or prolonged retention of innocent people's DNA.

Restricting and restraining local council access to personal communications data.

Reviewing protection of personal privacy from the surveillance state as part of a British Bill of Rights.

Strengthening the audit powers and independence of the Information Commissioner.
Requiring Privacy Impact Assessments on any proposals for new legislation or other measures that involve data collection.

Requiring new powers of data-sharing to be introduced into law by primary legislation, not by order.

Appointing a Minister and senior civil servant (at Director General level) in each Government ministry with responsibility for departmental operational data security.

Wednesday 16 September 2009

PRAISE FOR HOUSING IN THANET

Thanet has been highlighted as an example of good practice in a new report, looking at housing, produced by a national watchdog.

The Audit Commission, which is an independent organisation, working to promote value for money for taxpayers, has just produced Building Better Lives, getting the best from strategic housing.

In it, it cites Thanet's introduction of additional planning policy in Cliftonville West to restrict the development of one bedroom flats, as good practice. The council was also commended for its work in bringing empty properties back into use and its partnership work with other councils on the No Use Empty campaign.

The Audit Commission report goes on to state that "these examples illustrate that paying attention to these issues and devoting relatively modest resources to them can have considerable impact." The report also says that "creative councils have worked in partnership to tackle homelessness, reclaim empty properties and improve housing quality in ways they could not have achieved alone."

The report, and the reference to Thanet in it, was picked up by the national media, with a mention on BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

Cllr. Zita Wiltshire, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: "It's wonderful to see the council being recognised in this way by the Audit Commission. These comments are excellent reading for our hard-working housing and planning teams, who have been responsible for the planning policy in Cliftonville West and bringing empty properties back into use across the district. This report highlights that the council is taking exactly the right approach to improving housing in Thanet through a range of innovative initiatives."

FREE SPORTS QUALIFICATIONS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Free sports related qualifications are on offer to young people in Thanet who are not in education, employment or training.

The Worx Project is being led by Sport 4NRG, with funding from Thanet Works, which is aiming to help people get off benefits and into training and/or work.

Two courses are being offered, with both taking place during the October and February half term weeks. There are 15 places on offer for each session of each course.

The first course is the Level 1 Award in Dance Leadership, which will be 30 hours of active learning and, to take part, you must be between 14 and 22 years old.

For the second course, the Level 2 Award in Community Sports Leadership, there are 36 hours of active learning, which will include practical sports sessions, sessions at local sports clubs and classroom sessions. Participants must be aged between 16 and 22.

As well as the learning, those taking part are expected to do 10 hours of volunteering at places such as leisure centres, swimming pools, after school clubs or Sport 4NRG, which will be arranged by the Worx project. Once the course has been completed, Sport 4NRG will then find further training for your CV or to help you get a college place, proper sports related employment.

James Gregory from Sport 4NRG said: "Sport 4NRG and the council are both committed to making a real difference to the lives of young people in Thanet. That's not just in terms of fun sports activities, but now with the Worx project, we can now make a difference in terms of education and employment, the real life priorities that matter to young people. These courses are very different, as they're all about something that many young people are already interested in, sport. Therefore, they're more likely to enjoy the learning and get more out of it and be more successful."

For an application form for either course, either e-mail James at james.gregory@thanet.gov.uk or text your details to 07770 828 582.

MARGATE NAMED AS BEST IN BEACH VOLLEYBALL

Margate's volleyball tournament, the Margate Masters, has been named as the Best Beach Volleyball Event of the Year 2009.

Thanet District Council's Sport Matters team, who organised the event, received the award from Volleyball England, which is voted for by the players who take part in the various tournaments around the country. Margate was congratulated for being a well-run tournament with excellent beach facilities and great support from volunteers during the event.

The Margate Masters took place in June on the town's Main Sands and saw some of the top players in the country, including players representing Team GB, playing on the courts. The weekend also included a local schools competition.

The event beat off stiff competition from Great Yarmouth, Skegness, Weymouth and Blackpool, the other stops on the Volleyball England tour.

Cllr. Shirley Tomlinson, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said: "This result proves what an excellent sports development team we have at Thanet. They are dedicated to promoting all kinds of sport, not only within the community, but as with the Margate Masters, at a national level as well. Their approach has really paid off with this excellent result. Obviously, we are extremely lucky in having some of the best beaches in Britain on which to host this prestigious event, which obviously helps. But without the dedication of our hard-working sports development team and all the volunteers who gave up their time over the weekend, we would not have achieved this award."

Sports Development Manager, Martyn Cassell, said: "We're delighted with this result, especially as we were competing against favourites Weymouth, who have been running their beach volleyball tournament for 24 years and they had Sky Sports attending this year. By comparison, we're only in our third year, which makes winning this award even more special. The event brings top quality sport to the area, but just as importantly, gives local people a chance to take part as well."

Monday 14 September 2009

CLIFTONVILLE PLANNING APPEAL DISMISSED

An appeal against the council's decision to refuse planning permission for the demolition of a bungalow in Cliftonville and the erection of a five-bedroom house, has been dismissed.

The application, for a property in Holly Gardens, was submitted in January and refused by the council in March. The applicant appealed against that decision and, in response, the Planning Inspectorate has dismissed the appeal on the grounds of the harm that would be caused to the trees remaining on the site.

All the remaining trees on the site are now covered by a Tree Preservation Order. The report from the Planning Inspectorate considered the impact of the potential development on the trees, stating that it would be difficult to ensure adequate protection for some of the trees on the site and that the proposed building would be too close to the protected trees along the northern boundary of the site.

The Inspector also stated that he was in no doubt that the proposed dwelling would increase the amount of buildings visible and would have some adverse impact on the character of the area.

Cllr. John Kirby, Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services and Ramsgate Marina, said: "This case proved to be a highly controversial one earlier this year, when it became clear that trees at the site were being felled, after the council failed to confirm the Tree Preservation Order there. That's something we apologised for at the time and the orders are now firmly in place on all the remaining trees at the time. Fortunately, the character of this plot wasn't significantly affected by what happened and we're delighted that the Planning Inspectorate has backed our decision."

FINE OVER LISTED BUILDING IN RAMSGATE

A company has been fined £250 and ordered to pay £100 costs, after failing to comply with a listed building notice, issued on a property in Ramsgate.

Magistrates were told that a Listed Building Enforcement Notice was originally issued in February 2008 on Landermere Estates Ltd., who were the owners of a flat at Clifton Lawn. UPVC windows were inserted into the flat, which is in a listed building.

They were given three months to comply and remove the windows, replacing them with timber sliding sash windows, which are sympathetic to the building. The work was not carried out within the timescale given, so the council took legal action against the company. The work has now been completed by the company.

Earlier this month, Landermere pleaded guilty to not complying with the Listed Building Enforcement Notice and the company was fined £250 and ordered to pay £100 costs. They were given 28 days to pay.

Cllr. John Kirby, Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services and Ramsgate Marina, said: "This case shows just how seriously the council takes development to our many listed buildings. If it's not in keeping, there's every chance we will take action to ensure that changes are implemented. Listed buildings are listed for very good reasons and we need to make sure that their character is not harmed by any development that is undertaken. It's a shame that this case had to go to court. We shouldn't have to take legal action to get work like this completed."

Saturday 12 September 2009

New documents published by Thanet District Council,

10/09/2009 - Agenda published: Meeting of Sep 17 2009 5:00PM, Airport Working Party

10/09/2009 - Minutes published: Meeting of Aug 26 2009 5:00PM, Airport Working Party

09/09/2009 - Meeting held: Sep 9 2009 3:00PM, Corporate Improvement & Budget Working Party

The 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


07 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0591
CEDAR TOP WINDSOR ROAD CLIFFSEND RAMSGATE CT125EB
current
07 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0647
8 WARDOUR CLOSE BROADSTAIRS CT101LB
current
07 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0652
23 NORTHUMBERLAND AVENUE MARGATE CT93BW
current
07 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0665
SUNBURST FIRST AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT103LP
current
07 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0680
43 ALFRED ROAD BIRCHINGTON CT79NJ
current
07 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0685
4 PROSPECT CLOSE WESTGATE-ON-SEA CT88EG
curren

Wednesday 9 September 2009

ARLINGTON AGREEMENT WELCOMED

The news that Freshwater and Tesco have reached agreement about restoration of the Arlington Estate has been welcomed by Thanet District Council.

The Deputy Leader of Thanet Council, Cllr Roger Latchford said: "When the Council agreed its Development Brief for this key site in central Margate, it was hoped that a comprehensive redevelopment would come forward. It is excellent news for the economy that we now have a proposal."

Cllr. Latchford added: "At the moment, the council does not have detailed plans showing the redevelopment. Much more work on the design needs to be carried out, before a planning application could be made. In the meantime the council will impress on the developers that public consultation must be comprehensive and should start soon. In particular, we want to ensure that Arlington House residents, who are entitled to a say about how the appearance and quality of their homes, are consulted about how their surroundings are to be improved."

NEW ASSET MANAGEMENT PROPOSALS

A new batch of sites that the council is considering selling, as part of its plan to review what it owns each year, is due to go before Cabinet later this month. (Thursday 17 September).

The 12 sites are being proposed, as part of the council’s Asset Management Plan, which requires the council to look at all of its sites and see how cost effective, well maintained, well used and beneficial to the community they are. The sites are:

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

Site: Open surfaced site to the rear of the supermarket, Hopeville Avenue, St. Peter’s, Broadstairs (St. Peter’s)
Proposal: Either seek planning permission for a small residential development, upgrade the car park to pay and display or leave as it is now. In all cases, the toilets would be retained.

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

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

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 retain the building in its existing condition or redevelop for residential use.

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

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

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

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

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 leave as it is, 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.

Cllr. John Kirby, Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services and Ramsgate Marina, said: “The Cabinet will be considering the list that officers have put together, before it goes forward for consultation. We want to be open and fully transparent during this process and highlight that the report has been developed and which sites are being considered at this stage. However, I would stress that, until the Cabinet meeting has taken place, none of these sites are definitely going forward to consultation. I am sure once the decision has been taken by Cabinet and the consultation gets underway, there will be great interest in this subject, as there has been in previous years and I look forward to hearing local people’s views on the various proposals.”

The consultation is due to begin in October.

Tuesday 8 September 2009

NOMINATE FOR COMMUNITY CRIME FIGHTER AWARDS

Thanet residents are being asked to nominate people who at the forefront of tackling crime and anti-social behaviour in their communities.

Thanet is the only pioneer Neighbourhood Crime and Justice area in Kent, which aims to give residents more of a say on effectively tackling crime and anti-social behaviour and get them to work more closely with the police and council.

The Community Crime Fighters scheme is one initiative that’s been introduced as part of this scheme. It gives people already active in their communities training, information and support to work with neighbourhood policing teams and councils to help make their communities safer.

The government has just launched the Community Crime Fighter awards, which is part of their Justice Seen, Justice Done programme, which aims to get the public involved in the fight against crime and inform people about their rights on crime and justice.

The awards have two categories:
Exceptional people who have stood up to anti-social behaviour or neighbourhood crime or who have supported others to do so. Anyone can nominate people for this category.
Wonderful workers, who provide an exceptionally high level of service. Nominations for this category can only be made by Community Crime Fighters.

Each category will have one overall winner, who will receive £10,000 each to invest in a local community project or initiative. They will also receive a certificate, recognising their achievement.

Tiffany Hall, Neighbourhood Crime and Justice Coordinator, said: “These awards are about recognising people who’ve done something outstanding to help make their neighbourhood safer. This could include setting up a group, going to court or being involved in a local initiative to tackle crime or anti-social behaviour. We know that there are lots of people in Thanet who are working to help make the area an even safer place, but sometimes their efforts go unrewarded. If there’s someone who know who fits into that category, then they could be a perfect person to nominate for these awards.”

To nominate someone, visit www.communitycrimefighters.org.uk/awards Nominations must be received by Friday 25 September.

For more information, contact Tiffany on 01843 577910

Monday 7 September 2009

PLEASURAMA DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT SIGNED

The development agreement for the former Pleasurama site in Ramsgate has been signed by Thanet District Council and the developers SFP Ventures UK Ltd.

It follows the decision taken at a meeting of Full Council on Thursday 23 July that the council would proceed with the development of the site.

The work will be carried out by Cardy Construction, a firm based in Kent, which is well known in Thanet. Preliminary works are due to start shortly, with the steel frame scheduled to be erected on site in early 2010.

Cllr. Roger Latchford, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said: "Many building projects have been cancelled because of the economic recession, and I am particularly pleased that this major regeneration scheme in Ramsgate is now going ahead with a well respected building firm carrying out the works. I look forward to seeing this project progress, as it will bring many regeneration benefits to Ramsgate, including local job opportunities."

The development, known as Royal Sands, will comprise of a hotel, 107 apartments, cafés and restaurants.

THANET'S BLOOMING GARDENS

Once again, Thanet’s tenants have been hard at work getting their gardens in tip top shape for this year’s annual garden competition.

Sponsored by Mears, the competition is open to all council tenants and leaseholders, and this year the crown was presented to joint entrants Mr. Smith and Mr Munden both of Ramsgate of best back garden, as it was both felt each was deserving of the top prize.

As well as wining the joint 1st prize for the best back garden, Mr. Smith also won the overall prize of the competition and he was presented with the Garden Competition Cup by judges Cllr. Zita Wiltshire, Thanet District Councils Cabinet Member for Community Services, Ian Blackman and Miles Cronin from Mears.

Mrs Ardis from Birchington won the category for the best baskets, window boxes and containers, which were overflowing with colour.

Cllr. Zita Wiltshire said: “Congratulations to all of the tenants and leaseholders who took the time and trouble to enter this year’s garden competition. Each year, we have more and more entrants and the judging proves harder – the competition just highlights that many of our tenants take pride in their gardens. Next year we hope to change the criteria slightly, which will enable those tenants and leaseholders that grow their own vegetables and have allotments to also enter.”

Each winner received £50 shopping vouchers, courtesy of Mears and were presented with a framed certificate, as well as the overall winner Mr. Smith receiving the Garden Competition cup.

9.9.9

The Thanet Domestic Abuse One Stop Shop will be re-launched on Wednesday 9 September at a central and secure location in Margate.

The One Stop Shop provides people who have experienced domestic abuse with the chance to get free help and advice from a range of agencies, such as solicitors, Kent Police, Thanet District Council's housing Department, health and specialist domestic abuse services.

A similar drop in session has been running for around ten years, but the Thanet Domestic Abuse Forum has decided to improve the service by adding to the range of agencies available and improving on current ways that the sessions are run. This is also an action that forms part of the Thanet Domestic Abuse Strategy.

The One Stop Shop is available to any person, male or female, provided that they are survivors of domestic abuse.

Dee Neligan, Thanet's Domestic Abuse Coordinator said: "There has been a huge amount of work put into this One Stop Shop to make sure that it is the best possible service that we can provide to those people that need it. The One Stop Shop means that anyone can get free help and advice, which could make all the difference to a person who is being abused. You do not have to suffer in silence. There is help out there for you."

The One Stop Shop runs between 1pm and 3pm every Wednesday afternoon. If you would like some more information, or would like to speak to someone about your situation, please call or text Dee on 07926 842 183.

Domestic Abuse Contacts:

National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247
www.womensaid.org.uk
Men's Advice Line 0808 801 0327
www.mensadviceline.org.uk
Broken Rainbow (LGBT) 08452 604 460
www.broken-rainbow.org
For more information on the Thanet Domestic Abuse Strategy, please see www.thanetcommunitysafety.org.uk

NEW COMMUNITY GARDEN PLANNED FOR CLIFTONVILLE

An innovative and unique new playscape and community garden is being planned for the grounds of Northdown Park in Cliftonville, which will help improve opportunities for play in the area.

The project is being led by The Children's Society, with support from Thanet District Council and Pfizer, and the original idea came from local parents and children, who approached The Children's Society. They wanted a dedicated, safe area, especially for children with disabilities. Many disabled children and their families are unable to enjoy the traditional or natural play areas most of us take for granted. The area is being designed around the needs of these children and their families, but will be open to the whole community to enjoy.

The Secret Garden will provide an opportunity to help rejuvenate Northdown Park, with a series of improvements planed. These include access paths to the garden, cleaning up walls, re-paving and tidying foliage, although the garden will be focusing on natural play.

Local people can find out more about what's being planned on Tuesday 8 September, when proposals for the park will be on display at Northdown House between 10.00am and 2.00pm. People can speak to members of the project team and see visuals of what's being planned. The project team, which includes parents and children, have already undertaken consultation with local disability groups, local schools, play schools and Sure Start organisations who have all expressed a keen interest in using the facility.

Ivan O'Reilly, Programme Manager, The Children's Society's Windchimes Project, said: "This is an exciting opportunity to create a unique and natural play area for children with disabilities. This is all about natural play, so we want to retain as much of the existing trees and plants as possible in the hidden park.. Instead, we're looking at lots of wooden play equipment to enhance the park and creating opportunities for natural, creative and imaginative play. It's a beautiful area and this project has the potential to help improve Northdown Park in the same way as Dane Park has been improved over the last couple of years. As a unique facility it may attract families from across East Kent"

Do Come and Join Us for Dinner with Tim Yeo MP

We are delighted that Mr Tim Yeo MP, will be our after-dinner speaker in the
Jury Room of the Guildhall, Sandwich on Friday, 19 October.

Tim is one of country’s leading policy experts on the environment, climate change and golf and is an extremely entertaining speaker. He will also answer questions at the end of his speech.

Tickets are £27.50 and a wine bar will be available. There is ample free (in the
evenings) parking behind Sandwich's Guildhall.

As numbers must be limited, a prompt reply would be appreciated. Please email delia.creedy@virgin.net or detach and complete the bottom part of this page with your cheque and send to Delia Creedy, our Hon. Sec., who will forward your ticket/s.

Should the limit have been reached, your cheque would be returned promptly.
………………………………………………………………………………………………
To: Mrs D L Creedy E-mail: delia.creedy@virgin.net
Vigo, Sandown Road, Sandwich, CT13 9JZ Tel: 01304 611336
Please send me ….ticket/s for the Annual Guildhall Dinner on 9 October 2009
I enclose a cheque, payable to STCA, for £…….
Name: ..........................................Signature
Address and telephone number:
E-mail:

New documents published by Thanet District Council,

08/09/2009 - Meeting scheduled: Sep 8 2009 6:00PM, Standards Committee

01/09/2009 - Minutes published: Meeting of Aug 19 2009 7:00PM, Planning Committee

01/09/2009 - Agenda published: Meeting of Sep 9 2009 3:00PM, Corporate Improvement & Budget Working Party

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

03 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0325
KWIK-FIT 310 NORTHDOWN ROAD MARGATE CT93PW
current
03 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0580
95 CHURCH STREET BROADSTAIRS CT102TX
current
03 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0622
11 CLIVE ROAD MARGATE CT94EH
current
03 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0625
PROBE SECURITY MANAGEMENT 47-48 THIRD FLOOR HAWLEY SQUARE MARGATE CT91NY
current
03 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0644
ALBERT TERRACE MARGATE
current
03 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0645
1 BELLEVUE ROAD RAMSGATE CT118LB
current
03 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0651
FLAT REAR OF 26 NORTHDOWN ROAD MARGATE CT92RW
current
03 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0654
DENTAL SURGERY 246 HERESON ROAD RAMSGATE CT117ET
current
03 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0655
28 EDITH ROAD RAMSGATE CT110EN
current
03 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0656
SWEET CRAZY 26 HIGH STREET ST. LAWRENCE RAMSGATE CT110QH
current
03 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0667
25 TIVOLI ROAD MARGATE CT95SF
current
03 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0671
50 THE RIDGEWAY BROADSTAIRS CT102HE
current
03 Sep 2009
F/TH/09/0682
70 PLAINS OF WATERLOO RAMSGATE CT118JE
current
03 Sep 2009
L/TH/09/0664
PROBE SECURITY MANAGEMENT 47-48 THIRD FLOOR HAWLEY SQUARE MARGATE CT91NY
current
03 Sep 2009
L/TH/09/0669
ALBERT TERRACE MARGATE
current
31 Aug 2009
F/TH/09/0575
73 MONKTON STREET MONKTON RAMSGATE CT124JF
current
31 Aug 2009
F/TH/09/0657
FLAT 1, 72 DUMPTON PARK DRIVE, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 1RT
current
31 Aug 2009
F/TH/09/0662
REAR OF 183 GRANGE ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT11 9PP
current

Wednesday 2 September 2009

New documents published by Thanet District Council,

01/09/2009 - Minutes published: Meeting of Jul 28 2009 7:00PM, Overview and Scrutiny Panel

01/09/2009 - Minutes published: Meeting of Aug 19 2009 7:00PM, Planning Committee

01/09/2009 - Agenda published: Meeting of Sep 9 2009 3:00PM, Corporate Improvement & Budget Working Party

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

31 Aug 2009
F/TH/09/0575
73 MONKTON STREET MONKTON RAMSGATE CT124JF
current
31 Aug 2009
F/TH/09/0657
FLAT 1, 72 DUMPTON PARK DRIVE, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 1RT
current
31 Aug 2009
F/TH/09/0662
REAR OF 183 GRANGE ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT11 9PP
current
26 Aug 2009
DM/TH/09/0572
38 ST. ANTHONYS WAY MARGATE CT93RB
decided
26 Aug 2009
F/TH/09/0513
1 NORTHWOOD ROAD RAMSGATE CT126RR
current
26 Aug 2009
F/TH/09/0607
14 DUMPTON PARK DRIVE RAMSGATE CT118AE
current
26 Aug 2009
F/TH/09/0616
THE OLD FORGE BUILDINGS R/O 26 CHURCH STREET BROADSTAIRS CT101TT
current
26 Aug 2009
F/TH/09/0650
LAND REAR OF 12-18 GREENFIELD ROAD RAMSGATE CT126TX
current
26 Aug 2009
L/TH/09/0640
FLAT 3, 18 ROYAL ROAD RAMSGATE CT119LE
current
26 Aug 2009
L/TH/09/0641
FLAT 1, 18 ROYAL ROAD RAMSGATE CT119LE
current
26 Aug 2009
R/TH/09/0653
LAND R/O 19-23 HAROLD ROAD & R/O 9-15 ALBION ROAD MARGATE
current
25 Aug 2009
F/TH/07/0817
8 ALBERT TERRACE MARGATE CT91UJ
decided
25 Aug 2009
F/TH/09/0573
11 WILBROUGH ROAD BIRCHINGTON CT79DY
current
25 Aug 2009
F/TH/09/0608
LAND ADJ, 10 CANTERBURY ROAD WEST, RAMSGATE, CT12 5EA
current
25 Aug 2009
F/TH/09/0623
142 HIGH STREET RAMSGATE CT119TT
current
25 Aug 2009
F/TH/09/0643
1 WILLSONS MEWS, RAMSGATE, CT11 9FF
current
25 Aug 2009
F/TH/09/0649
69-73 KING STREET, RAMSGATE, CT11 8NX
current
25 Aug 2009
L/TH/09/0624
142 HIGH STREET RAMSGATE CT119TT
current
24 Aug 2009
F/TH/09/0143
19 DAVID AVENUE CLIFTONVILLE MARGATE CT93DU
current
24 Aug 2009
F/TH/09/0565
23 CRESCENT ROAD RAMSGATE CT119QU
current
24 Aug 2009
F/TH/09/0597
FLAT 1 1 ROSELAWN GARDENS MARGATE CT95JD
current
24 Aug 2009
F/TH/09/0631
41 KINGSGATE AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT103QP
current

FINAL CHANCE TO NOMINATE THANET'S SPORTS STARS

It's your final chance to nominate stars for the first Thanet Sports Awards, which 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 Network is looking for those who have achieved or gone the extra mile in sport in Thanet.

There are 11 categories in total and nominations for all, bar the Long Service Award, need to cover the period from 1 September 2008 to 31 August 2009. Nominations must be for either residents of Thanet or members of Thanet based clubs. The categories are:
1. Coach of the Year
2. Club of the Year
3. Disabled Sportsperson of the Year
4. Individual Sporting Achievement
5. Long Service Award
6. Unsung Hero
7. Sportsman of the Year
8. Sportswoman of the Year
9. Team of the Year
10. Young Team of the Year
11. Young Sportsperson of the Year

Sports Development Officer, Martyn Cassell, said: "We've already had a good number of entries to the awards, but we could certainly do with more. We know that there are lots of great stories of sporting achievement and endeavour in Thanet and we want to recognise and celebrate the people behind those stories. It doesn't just have to be traditional sports, it can be any form of physical activity. If you know someone who's a high achiever or who has shown amazing enthusiasm and dedication, then make sure you get your nomination in. All entries will be judged by our panel, so you don't have to get votes for your entry."

The closing date for nominations on Friday 11 September. To get a nomination form, visit www.thanet.gov.uk/sport

The awards ceremony is being held at Margate's Winter Gardens on Wednesday 11 November between 7pm and 9pm and will have local and regional sports representatives.

Tuesday 1 September 2009

CHINESE DIGNITARIES VISIT THANET

A group of Chinese dignitaries have been in Thanet over the weekend (Saturday 29 August) as part of a visit to the UK.

The delegation included Madam Li Xiaolin, who holds a number of titles, including Vice President of the Association of Friendship with Foreign Countries and Honorary President of the China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development, and Chairman Hu, the Chairman of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO). Madame Li Xiaolin is also the youngest daughter of the former Chinese president, Li Xiannian, who was president of China in the 1980s.

The delegation were greeted by a civic party from Thanet at Margate Town Hall, which included Thanet’s three mayors, Vice-Chairman of Thanet District Council, Cllr. Mike Roberts and Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr. Roger Latchford OBE and Chief Executive, Richard Samuel.

The delegation was given a presentation on Thanet by Cllr. Latchford. He said: “It was a great honour to welcome the delegation to Thanet and to be given the chance to tell them all about the district and the excellent opportunities on offer here. I was delighted to be able to explain how Thanet is a great place to live, work and enjoy. Our visitors were particularly interested in Thanet’s cultural heritage, particularly our links with Charles Dickens, Rossetti, Pugin and Turner. This visit shows just how serious the Chinese government are about investing in Thanet and the prospect of Chinese industry at the Manston Business Park.”

The whole visit was organised by CGI (China Gateway Investments), with the council responsible for the civic reception.