Wednesday 31 October 2012

SHOCKING NEW THRILLER SET IN THANET


A shocking new thriller set in the Isle of Thanet, East Kent paints a picture of vicious hate crime, poisonous politics and naked corruption.

“Death In Thanet” tells the story of private detective Jane Marks called in to investigate the death of a local councillor. She finds deadly danger lurking in the seaside locality.

Author Arlene Blower says her book is entirely fictional but based on her experiences after coming to live in Thanet three years ago.

“I knew there was something in the air when someone told me Thanet actually means “island of death”,” Blower says.

“It really is an amazing area,” Blower says, “On the one hand it’s a very poor seaside area, with homeless people and ghettoes.

“On the other hand you have people from London attracted by the hopes of regeneration, bargain property prices and the Turner Contemporary.

“Mix in with all that a history of corruption and gangsters going back to the KrayTwins and you have in Thanet the perfect location for a modern day thriller.”

The book is being serialised in Thanet Watch magazine, with the first instalment appearing in the November issue, and the book scheduled for publication in 2013 

Thanet Watch publisher Norman Thomas says that he’s really excited to be able to serialise Death In Thanet in the magazine.

Norman says: “It really does give you a real feel for the seamier side of life on the Isle. I think it will shock some people – but this is really how things are around here.”

Thanet Watch will be on sale in newsagents from November 1st.

DO SOMETHING NEW AT THE GATEWAY

 

Local residents can learn how to access an array of new skills – and improve their knowledge – thanks to an initiative at the Thanet Gateway Plus.

The ‘Do Something New Day’ will take place on Tuesday 4 December, and has been set up to help people who currently lack confidence when taking on new challenges.

Those who feel anxious about Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills will find the day particularly beneficial. Information on joining ICT courses will be available and visitors will be able to receive guidance on how to make the most of technology without being fearful.
But the Do Something New Day isn’t just about ICT. Nine organisations will be represented at the Gateway Plus, including the Citizens Advice Bureau and Thanet Volunteer Bureau.

For those seeking support about improving their job prospects, the National Careers Service will be offering one-to-one sessions on effective CV creation. And for budding business people, representatives from the Kent Foundation for Young Entrepreneurs will deliver 15-minute workshops on ‘Introduction to Enterprise’.
Those who lack confidence with – or wish to improve – their literacy and numeracy skills will find help from TGB Learning – one of the UK’s leading charitable youth and adult learning organisations.

NHS health trainers will also be on hand, imparting advice about getting the most from life by making small differences. And people with disabilities will find plenty on offer, with advice from the Thanet Disability Drop-in Centre being available.

Representatives from Sportsnet – the initiative designed to encourage people with learning disabilities to participate in mainstream sport – will also be present.

Thanet District Council’s Cabinet Member for Business Services, Cllr Michelle Fenner, said: “In a fast-changing world, many people can easily feel excluded through no fault of their own. The problem can be compounded by a lack of self-confidence, sadly leading many to never realise their own potential.

“However, by attending the Do Something New Day, residents can discover a whole new world, and gain confidence. Maybe some people want to use the internet to access services, or possibly improve their literacy and numeracy to get a job. It’s never too late to learn, and we hope to make the day as inclusive and accessible as possible. Whatever your needs, someone will be available to offer excellent advice.”

Organisations at the Thanet Gateway Plus, Cecil Street, Margate on Tuesday 4 December are:
  • Kent Adult Education
  • Citizens Advice Bureau
  • Thanet Disability Drop-in Centre
  • NHS Health Trainers
  • Kent Foundation for Young Entrepreneurs
  • National Careers Service
  • Sportsnet Group
  • TG Peer Associates
  • Volunteer Bureau.

Tuesday 30 October 2012

RESIDENTS BACK RAMSGATE CLEANSWEEP


More than 350 residential properties in Ramsgate have been visited as part of the latest Operation Cleansweep organised by Thanet District Council.

Taking place on Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 October, the multi-agency Cleansweep concentrated on Addington Street, Spencer Street, Royal Road, Priory Road, Cannonbury Road and Townley Street. And once again, the initiative brought positive results.

Alleyways were cleaned of rubbish by teams from Kent Probation’s Community Payback, while ongoing rubbish-disposal problems were identified. These will be tackled by follow-up visits from the council’s private sector housing team.

Kent Fire and Rescue representatives were also on hand, and they identified more than 40 properties where advice was given to residents.  

Several local people were also given advice by the council’s dog warden, and 18 Penalty Charge Notices were applied to vehicles by the council’s Civil Enforcement Officers
In the all-encompassing Cleansweep, officers from Kent Police investigated allegations of anti-social behaviour that has been blighting residents’ lives in the early hours of the morning.

Local residents were overwhelmingly supportive of the Cleansweep which led to direct support being organised by Kent County Council’s social services team for two vulnerable, elderly people. Another resident who was facing eviction from their private tenancy was also offered support and direct assistance.

And even though the Cleansweep took place over just two days, long-term benefits will see the repair of damaged pavements and tackling of dog-fouling. 
Thanet District Council’s Cabinet Member for Commercial Services, Cllr Alan Poole, said: “We’ve received tremendous support from local residents during the latest Cleansweep, and we’re very appreciative of this help.

“Local people have an intimate knowledge of their area, and the vast majority care about their environment and want to protect it. The multi-agency Cleansweeps are designed to give the support that residents need, and it’s great to see the community respond so positively.”  

IN THE NEW ISSUE OF THANET WATCH…


WHO’S WRECKING RAMSGATE?
For 14 years Ramsgate seafront has been blotted by dereliction. Now it looks it may stay like that until 2017!  Thanet Watch investigates why.

JOHN TERRY? IN THANET?
It was a big story – football star John Terry buying a luxury apartment on Ramsgate seafront… Too amazing to be true – you bet it was!

THE GHOST OF GODDEN
Deceased  Dreamland king Jimmy Godden has handed his torch to a man who’s been on the board of 120 companies – most of them defunct.

WHY MARGATE ISN’T HAPPY ABOUT MARY PORTAS
A local trader complains to the police about Mary’s TV crew filming him secretly, and how the great TV star’s visit to the town proved a flop.

THE HATE MAIL COUNCILLOR RETURNS…

And the Tory group may let him back on World Aids Day! What did controversial councillor Ken Gregory say when we rang him? It wasn’t sorry!

PLUS DON’T MISS…


“DEATH IN THANET”


Part one of the shocking new thriller… Private detective Jane Marks is called in to investigate the death of a controversial bisexual councillor. She finds herself in a murky world of poisonous politics, naked corruption and over-dressed gangsters.   By Arlene Blower.


THANET WATCH IS AVAILABLE IN SHOPS & NEWSAGENTS ACROSS THE ISLE. FOR A FULL LIST CLICK HERE: http://thanetwatch.wordpress.com/where-you-can-get-thanet-watch

OR RING US ON 01843 604 253

SKATE PARK GETS CALIFORNIAN FLAVOUR


Skate Park users in Ramsgate are all set to experience a taste of California – thanks to joint working between Thanet District Council and Ramsgate Town Council.

A new American surface material called ‘Skatelite Pro Am’ has been introduced to the Warre Recreation Ground, ensuring that the area has state-of-the-art facilities. Imported directly from California – the spiritual home skateboarding – the new £1,100 surface material has been paid for by Ramsgate Town Council.

According to skate and BMX enthusiasts, the material has many positive features that visitors to Warre Recreation Ground will love – including less friction problems. And even though the British weather can be less benign than in America’s Golden State, the new surface remains safe in any temperature.
Thanet District Council’s Sport 4 NRG team has been instrumental in organising the improvements to the Warre Recreation Ground.

In August, the council gave its support to consider the upgrading of the district’s skate parks and provide new facilities in all three major towns. A consultation exercise has been recently conducted by the council, asking for the views of residents and skate park users.

Warre Recreation Ground, behind Ramsgate Swimming Pool, is one of the skate parks identified by the council. And if residents and skaters give their backing to the overall project, the current skate and BMX park would become a beginners’ practice area.

Cllr Iris Johnston, Thanet District Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “We’re very grateful for the wonderful support given by Ramsgate Town Council, and I know that the skate park users will enjoy using the new surface.

“Warre Recreation Ground is enormously popular with the young people of Ramsgate, and it’s great that they now have a wonderful facility. The council is very committed to making popular sport accessible in Thanet, and our plans for Warre Recreation Ground illustrate our enthusiasm.”  

Monday 29 October 2012

New planning applications,

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  

Date Published*Application No.AddressStatus
25 Oct 2012F/TH/12/0413LAND ADJACENT 33, LORNE ROAD, RAMSGATEcurrent
25 Oct 2012F/TH/12/06229-10 LYNDHURST AVENUE, MARGATE, CT9 2PSdecided
25 Oct 2012F/TH/12/0664ST GEORGES LAWN BOWLS GREEN, EASTERN ESPLANADE, MARGATE, CT9 3ABcurrent
25 Oct 2012F/TH/12/0678THE LOOKOUT, WEST CLIFF PROMENADE, RAMSGATE, CT11 9JFcurrent
25 Oct 2012F/TH/12/0767THANET COLLEGE, RAMSGATE ROAD, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 1PNcurrent
25 Oct 2012F/TH/12/0779251 NORTH DOWN ROAD, MARGATE, CT92PWcurrent
25 Oct 2012F/TH/12/0799107 PARK LANE, BIRCHINGTON, CT7 0AUcurrent
25 Oct 2012F/TH/12/0803ROSE COTTAGE POTTEN STREET ST. NICHOLAS AT WADE BIRCHINGTON CT70QPcurrent
25 Oct 2012F/TH/12/081930 STATION ROAD BIRCHINGTON CT79DQcurrent
25 Oct 2012F/TH/12/0839CASTLEMAYNE STABLES, CASTLEMAYNE AVENUE, BIRCHINGTON, CT70HQcurrent
25 Oct 2012F/TH/12/08411 BEDFORD WAY, ST NICHOLAS AT WADE, BIRCHINGTON.current
25 Oct 2012OL/TH/12/0814LAND USED FOR STORAGE AT REDHOUSE FARM, MANSTON COURT ROAD, MARGATE, CT94LEcurrent
25 Oct 2012F/TH/12/06367 PARSONAGE FIELDS, MONKTON, RAMSGATE, CT12 4JLcurrent
25 Oct 2012F/TH/12/078721A WESTERN ESPLANADE, BROADSTAIRS, KENTcurrent
25 Oct 2012F/TH/12/0826CASA MIA, NORTH FORELAND AVENUE, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 3QTcurrent
25 Oct 2012F/TH/12/082721 FREEMANS ROAD MINSTER RAMSGATE CT124ELcurrent
25 Oct 2012OL/TH/12/080818A HIGH STREET, ST. LAWRENCE, RAMSGATEcurrent
25 Oct 2012F/TH/12/0823BRETT RUGBY CONCRETE, DANE VALLEY ROAD, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 3JJcurrent
24 Oct 2012F/TH/12/0781LAND AND BUILDINGS SOUTH OF WESTWOOD CROSS AND BETWEEN NEW HAINE ROAD AND, MARGATE ROAD, BROADSTAIRScurrent
22 Oct 2012F/TH/12/0773MARKS AND SPENCER, 1 WESTWOOD CROSS, MARGATE ROAD, BROADSTAIRS,current
22 Oct 2012F/TH/12/07026 ABBOTSFORD HOUSE, SEAPOINT ROAD, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 1THcurrent
22 Oct 2012F/TH/12/07579 DUMPTON PARK DRIVE, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 1RQcurrent
22 Oct 2012F/TH/12/0805CROSS CHANNEL SERVICE STATION, MOUNT PLEASANT, MINSTER, RAMSGATE, CT12 4AUcurrent
22 Oct 2012F/TH/12/0820land between 6-14 Victoria Road and Church Street, Margate, Kentcurrent
19 Oct 2012F/TH/12/07989 BURLINGTON GARDENS, MARGATE, CT9 5QDcurrent
18 Oct 2012F/TH/12/080469 PRINCE CHARLES ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT103HHcurrent
18 Oct 2012F/TH/12/0683BROOKSEND SERVICE STATION, CANTERBURY ROAD, WEST, BIRCHINGTON, CT7 0JWcurrent
18 Oct 2012F/TH/12/0705LAND SOUTH OF TELEGRAPH HILL INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, LAUNDRY ROAD, MINSTER, RAMSGATEcurrent
18 Oct 2012F/TH/12/078621 CARLTON AVENUE, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 1AGcurrent
18 Oct 2012L/TH/12/0824SALMESTONE GRANGE, NASH ROAD, MARGATE, CT9 4BXcurrent
17 Oct 2012F/TH/12/079639 LANTHORNE ROAD, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 3NAcurrent
17 Oct 2012F/TH/12/0811HAVISHAM HOUSE, NORTHDOWN HILL, BROADSTAIRS, KENTcurrent
16 Oct 2012A/TH/12/0467CROWN BINGO & SOCIAL CLUB 36-38 MARINE TERRACE MARGATE CT91XJdecided
16 Oct 2012F/TH/12/0226DUMPTON LODGE REST HOME 11 WESTERN ESPLANADE BROADSTAIRS CT101TGcurrent
16 Oct 2012F/TH/12/0785197 BRADSTOW WAY BROADSTAIRS CT101AXcurrent
16 Oct 2012L/TH/12/080916 TO 24 MILITARY ROAD, RAMSGATE CT11 9LGcurrent
16 Oct 2012M/TH/12/0755CLIFTONVILLE CP SCHOOL NORTHUMBERLAND AVENUE MARGATE CT93LYdecided
16 Oct 2012OL/TH/12/0783169 AND 171 PEGWELL ROAD RAMSGATEcurrent
16 Oct 2012F/TH/12/015082-84 BELLEVUE ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT11 8DNcurrent
15 Oct 2012F/TH/12/0731THE ACORN INN, 6 PARK LANE, BIRCHINGTON, KENT CT7 0AWcurrent

* This date is when Thanet District Council first published this case file.

New documents published by Thanet District Council,


Thanet District Council licensing applications,

Name of Applicant / ClubAddress of Premises / ClubNature of application. New or variationProposed licensable activities / or proposed variationDate by which representations may be made
(no less than 28 days after date received)
Great British Pizza Company Ltd14A Marine Drive, Margate CT9 1DHNew premises licence applicationSupply of alcohol and regulated entertainment01 November 2012
Baltic Branch Limited44 High Street, Margate CT9 1DSNew premises licence applicationSupply of alcohol, regulated entertainment and late night refreshment02 November 2012
Daily Supplies LimitedNisa Local, 55A Queen Street, Ramsgate CT11 9EENew premises licence applicationSupply of alcohol02 November 2012
Vista Bar60 Harbour Parade, Ramsgate CT11 8LNReview of premises licenceThe prevention of crime & disorder, prevention of public nuisance08 November 2012
Masala Gate10 Duke Street, Margate CT9 1EDNew premises licence applicationSupply of alcohol and regulated entertainment07 November 2012
Mrs Anne-Marie Birch3 Lymington Road, Westgate on Sea, CT8 8ESNew premises licence applicationSupply of alcohol16 November 2012

Sunday 28 October 2012

Laura Sandys MP Takes Part in Newington Primary’s Democracy Week Children draw a picture of Laura kissing the Prime Minister!


Laura Sandys MP was on hand on Friday to announce the result of Newington Community Primary School’s Head Boy and Head Girl election.  The election was a great success with 11 boys and girls standing for election, and pupils of all ages taking part in the voting.
 
She said: “This is great example of teaching children about the importance of democracy and how to vote from a young age, as well as further improving their already excellent school spirit by letting them vote on such an important decision. I always love visiting Newington Primary; it’s a great school and an excellent example of how pupils, teachers, parents and governors can really work together. I was particularly touched by the wonderful handmade ‘Little Miss MP’ book with which I was presented based on the well-known Mr Men series. The story and illustrations were fantastic. In one drawing I’m even shown kissing David Cameron and had to tell the pupils that I was not sure that my husband would be too happy!!”
 
Laura congratulated the winning candidates on their achievement and presented certificates to all the candidates for taking part in the election campaign.

Friday 26 October 2012

Council Tax Announcement - Thanet District Council


Thanet District Council is likely to face a further 10% cut in central government funding for 2013-14.

The deeper than anticipated cuts to the council’s formula grant are likely to mean a slight increase in Council Tax for Thanet residents from next April.

Illustrative figures from the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) show that Thanet District Council is likely to be left short of around £580,000 for the next financial year.

To fund the gap, the council has been forced to consider a small rise in Council Tax, which would mean an increase of £4.20 a year (8p per week) for an average Band D property. This is a 2% increase of the Thanet District Council element of the Council Tax bill.

Thanet Council collects Council Tax on behalf of other authorities. Its share is only 14% of the overall bill. The rest is split between Kent County Council (71%), Kent Police Authority (9%), Kent Fire and Rescue Service (5%) and town and parish councils (1%).

To help prioritise resources, the council is urging residents to take part in the latest budget consultation to ensure that the limited funds available are used on the services which matter most to local people. This consultation launches on Monday 29 October.

Cabinet Member for Finance, Cllr Rick Everitt, said: “Further cuts to the council purse are really unwelcome news for Thanet. Having already suffered a reduction of 28% in government funding over the past two years, resources are stretched to the absolute limit.

“We want to shield residents as far as possible.

“However, this additional reduction of over half a million pounds has forced us into a corner, and while we will draw upon other funding streams where possible, we’ve been left with very little option but to consider a slight increase in Council Tax as well.

“Although the government has offered funding equivalent to a 1% increase in Council Tax to councils who freeze their bills in 2013/14, this would still leave us with a significant hole in our budget next year. This would be deeper still from 2015 when that payment, and a similar one the council did accept for 2011/12, would both be withdrawn.

“I can’t stress enough how much we’re trying to do to protect local people from these budgetary challenges, which I hope is evident in our proposals for the new Local Council Tax Support Scheme. This is another scheme forced upon us by central government cuts, but one we’ve worked really hard on to ensure that we’re protecting the most vulnerable people in our community as best we can”.

He added: “With the level of cuts we’re about to face as an authority, it’s never been more important for residents to give us their views as part of our budget consultation. As the money raised from Council Tax goes directly to funding local services, we need to understand the priorities of the people who live here. That way we can ensure we’re targeting the limited resources we do have to the services that matter most to our residents.”

As budget planning is already underway, the illustrative figures provided by DCLG have been used to model the budget for next year. Final figures are expected in December and will be fed into the final budget proposals for 2013-14, which will be debated at Full Council in January 2013.

From Monday 29 October the council will be asking for residents’ views on their priority services. Visit www.thanet.gov.uk/budget from next Monday to take part.

Wednesday 24 October 2012

OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY


OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY PANEL 23rd OCTOBER

INTRODUCTION - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

TDC Leader - Cllr Clive Hart


"Setting the Direction for Economic Growth in Thanet is phase One of the council’s three-phase approach to developing our local economy.
 
Phase One: Setting the Direction. This is the actual consultation document in front of us this evening. This document recognises the nature of the Thanet economy and sets out a strategic vision for developing the area’s potential.
 
Recognising the key issues facing our economy, this document proposes a vision and strategic direction that could realise our full potential.  It summarises the economic context of Thanet, identifies the sectors of the economy that are important to Thanet or have the potential to deliver growth and outlines the areas where support is required to help business of any size and in any sector prosper in Thanet.
 
Statistical information – such as population and age figures – set the backdrop for the document. This information is further complemented by details of Thanet’s natural and historical assets – including the area’s maritime heritage.
 
All areas of economic activity are covered by the document – including health, arts, construction, financial and scientific – among others. And there is particular reference made to the ‘green’ economy.
 
Other factors, such as gross weekly wages, housing and unemployment are also covered.
 
The document outlines the areas of the economy in most need of support, and also identifies employment sectors where growth is expected in future.
 
Support for the visitor economy and green industries form pivotal points in the initial, Phase One document, which highlights the success of Ramsgate as a centre for offshore wind energy.
 
Phase Two: Understanding the Opportunities.
Will translate the strategic direction into detailed actions and policies we need to fully understand the requirements of businesses, the opportunities that exist and what we need to do to capture them.  The consultation process is part of this phase.
 
Phase Two will build upon feedback from the first phase and influence the dialogue of all those engaged in economic growth.
 
Phase Three: Action and Policy.
Reactions to the priorities put forward in the consultation document, and feedback from those directly involved in industry through the engagement process, will be used to inform the development of specific actions and influence other policies to make sure we capture the opportunities that are available.
 
Phase Three will bring together all strands of employment expertise to produce a shared delivery plan which will help unlock growth and prosperity.
 
Thanet’s local economy is driven by many complex factors, and there are often strong links between seemingly disparate sectors. Therefore our approach to economic growth is phased, because that enables us to develop economic growth through an intelligent methodology.
 

Most importantly, the phase one document we are discussing tonight is a firm basis for discussion but is certainly NOT the completed strategy.
 
Our aim is to have the most inclusive process possible and thereby to produce the very best strategy possible. We are a genuinely inclusive administration and we want to encourage contributions from all stakeholders to inform our process.
 
Our administration most certainly has a very INCLUSIVE approach to Economic Development for Thanet. With this in mind we are very pleased to have a Thanet Regeneration Board helping to advise and support our TDC strategy.
 
The Thanet Regeneration Board is a partnership brought together by Thanet District Council. Its aim is to collaborate to ADVISE, support and deliver jobs and skills across Thanet. Several members were appointed to the board before we took control of the council and we will work with all board members for the benefit of Thanet.
 
This joint approach brings together national, regional and local best practice, experience and expertise to benefit Thanet residents and visitors.
 
The Board, meeting quarterly, is supported by officers from Thanet District Council. The first chair is the former Chief Executive of SEEDA (South East England Development Agency), Pam Alexander.
 
I’m pleased to learn only today that through our targeted and focussed consultation we have also had our phased approach generally endorsed by a group of our major employers here in Thanet.
 
I’d like to thank Rob Hetherington for all his work on this strategy. Rob started with the council in the same week I became leader and I know he’s been immersed in this process from that time.
 
Chairman, to make this strategy happen, we need to fully understand the requirements of businesses, the opportunities that exist and what we and our partners need to do to deliver those opportunities for Thanet".
 
Cllr Clive Hart - TDC Leader.


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