Tuesday 30 December 2014

Euroferries Ramsgate to Boulogne Ferry Will it Won't it Happen.

 
AUSTAL HULL 270
 

"Euroferries wants to build a new coach station at the Port of Ramsgate"

Read more: http://www.thanetgazette.co.uk/Euroferries-plan-new-coach-terminal-Port-Ramsgate/story-24422446-detail/story.html#ixzz3NNFOfBI2

On 7th November 2014 The Isle of Thanet Gazette reported the above. On checking this blog today I discover several recent hits on my last year's article on this subject. At that time the proposed ferry vessel Austral Hull 270 was down under in Australia. Checking today it appears to be in Poole Harbour. Check out this link.
http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/shipdetails.aspx?mmsi=311037300&header=true

Is this a coincidence following rumors alleging that TDC were having confidential talks about the port?

So putting 2 and 2 together and making 5 I looked forward rather in hope than anticipation that maybe at last Euroferries could pull this off and Ramsgate gets its ferry to Boulogne.

Then hope is dashed when I find according to Shipping TV:

"Austal’s high speed ropax ferry hull number 270 has been bought by Condor Ferries, who will be operating her between the UK, the Channel Island and Europe. She’ll be sailing from the UK port of Poole starting March 2015".
http://www.shippingtv.co.uk/?p=1963

So that looks like a non starter or maybe there is more news round the corner.

Has anyone else any further information?

Saturday 20 December 2014

It’s going to be Lonely this Christmas



 
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas from the last of the Westbrook Turnstones (very few visiting this winter).
Looking forward to the New Year, this could be an important year for the future of Thanet. January starts with the consultation on the Local Plan. This reads like a cut and paste job with figures thrown in for good measure. Ticking government boxes it plans to concrete over our island with 12,000 new houses.
The Beach Management Plan as part of the Destination Plan will also be up for consultation.
The future of Manston airport is still an on going topic despite attempts to dig it up and create a developer’s paradise. Unfortunately I am not sure our present council are up to the job of decision making and do not appear to have the ability or legal expertise to influence events.
Looking at the bigger picture Gatwick and Heathrow are now coming in for mounting opposition to expansion. The recent software glitch with the air traffic control shows us how intricate the 3D chess game is that is played out in our skies. Should someone not be saying “what if there were twice as many aircraft in the skies over Gatwick and/or Heathrow and it happens again”? Surely there is a safety question to answer. Davis may want to look at his report again and not discount other airports. Maybe Manston should be mothballed for the time being until the game pans out or there is an integrated transport policy for the South East.
I feel sorry for Roger and Laura who have fought so hard for Manston whilst Government Ministers have paid lip service preferring to leave things to market forces. Personally I believe the decision over Manston is one of public interest and national importance and the Government should step up to the mark. If it does not Thanet could easily turn purple.
Looking forward to the spring we will no doubt be faced with election frenzy or even apathy as many people will opt out of voting as they cannot see suitable candidates. This could be dangerous with politics of the extremes taking over.
For as long as I can remember Thanet has been an unemployment black spot and ever more appears to continue to be so. Regeneration needs a kick on top of what is already happening. Maybe we need a “Thanet First” movement but I do not see it coming.
The local plan talks about action on Climate Change but ignores the work done by the CC2150 Project where the local community worked on plans and visions for the future. Is this really a local plan for Thanet or just another report bought in from expensive consultants?
Development plans for Thanet seem to place nails into its coffin. The port access road at Ramsgate was completed after the ferry closed. The Pfizer access road was completed and most of Pfizer closes. Now the airport has closed the Manston Parkway is planned to be built. We seem to be doomed by a lack of joined up thinking.
I am now going to put away my crystal balls as they only depress me and I want to enjoy Christmas.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Friday 12 December 2014

Westgate and Westbrook Residents' meeting December 2014


WESTGATE AND WESTBROOK

RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

 MINUTES OF A GENERAL MEETING HELD AT THE TOWN HALL BUILDINGS ON MONDAY 8th  DECEMBER 2014 AT 7.15PM.

 

PRESENT


Tom King, chairman and councillor, forty members, and KCC Cllr Jeff Elenor.


The chairman welcomed all to the meeting.

 
APOLOGIES

Apologies had been received from Chris Smith.

 
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

 
1)      Village Green (Town Green) Application Outcome.  Tom introduced Graham Rickett who spoke to the meeting about the application which commenced over three years ago. The application was successful however the land had been donated to King Ethelbert School by KCC in 2010, and an appeal against the finding had been made, and since rejected.  A further appeal for an oral hearing had been made against KCC, but the Judge had concluded that there was no case for review, and the seven days period  for appeal against this  had now elapsed.   Local residents have chosen the name “Linksfield Town Green”, and there are plans to apply for lottery fund money.  There are seventeen varieties of butterfly present, and the Holm Oaks are ideal for egg laying.  Kent Wildlife is to help manage the area, and a community page is to be set up to inform residents what may be found there.
2)      Thanet Local Plan.  Tom informed the meeting that this is being  put together and will be referred to for future decisions.  Birchington, Westgate, Garlinge, Manston, and Westwood are included, and strategic sites for 1,000 houses have been identified each side of Minster Road across from Birchington to Garlinge. This has been identified as much of the necessary infrastructure is thought to be already in place.  Consultation is to take place from 5th January to 20th February 2015, Tom would like to see a longer period as these are such major works, and public meetings should be held.  There will be road shows, drop in meetings, and information on the TDC website.  Both KCC Cllr Jeff Elenor and Graham Rickett said that present footpaths should continue to be used, and would become an issue.  There is concern about sufficient cover by Doctors and Dentists for the increasing number of people, and that residents need to be kept informed.  It was noted that the Thanet Plan had not featured in the local press.
3)      Parish Council.  At the recent TDC meeting the PC for Westgate was ratified, and it was agreed that the Charter Trustee System for Margate will continue.  Tom said he had been observing some local parish councils and these seem to have achieved very good results, which bodes well for Westgate.  The Parish Council will be elected in May 2015, and during the first year will formulate a list of services to provide.  James Brazier reminded the meeting that the precepts would be increased and the assets of the Charter Trustees will be split.  Tom thought the improvements would be well worth the extra precept.    

 
MINUTES OF LAST MEETING

The minutes of the last meeting, (10th November 2014), which had been circulated, were adopted on a prop by Don Eacott sec by Dave Morris, and signed.

 
MATTERS ARISING

1)      34, Westgate Bay Avenue.  No applications for planning had been received for this site.  Part of the front wall was still  down.

2)      TDC Chief Executive.  Details of this post are at present subject to total confidentiality.

3)      St Mildred's Bay Slipway.  TDC Officers have agreed to place railings at the side of the slipway to improve safety.

4)      41, Royal Esplanade.  The planning application for this site has been withdrawn. 

 
COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

KCC Cllr Jeff Elenor:

1)      Zebra Crossing.  In answer to questions Jeff said that the design and  costing for the crossing in Westgate Bay Avenue are being planned, the precise location has not as yet been decided, and such consultation does take time.  One member who thought that Westgate roads were becoming more dangerous thought there should be speed limits of 20mph and more crossings as in Birchington.  Jeff has given all his grant to the Westgate crossing which hopefully may have an island to help pedestrians.  Other members thought there should be enforcement of no parking next to the crossing and round the corners of the road junctions.    

2)      Station Road.  The new surface has been well received, but it was disappointing that it had already been dug up for works to the gas supply.

3)      Airport Capacity in the South East.  There had been hostility to a proposal of a third runway at Gatwick, and a minister is coming down shortly to look again  at Manston.

4)      Relocation of Margate Market.  This will now be in Cecil Square.

5)      Thanet Plan and Developments.  Alongside these, 106 agreements could be beneficial to the area and should be considered.

6)      Thanet Sewers.  These are due for servicing and repair.

7)      Local Children's Nurseries.  It had been brought to Tom's notice that a local children's nursery had had notice of funding to be discontinued.  Support was asked for and many members signed the petition at the meeting.  Westgate, especially with development possible, cannot afford to lose nurseries.

 PLANNING

1)      2/62, Cuthbert Road.  Application for permission to erect external staircase to rear first floor.

2)      Westbrook Road.   Application for HMO.  Refused. 

 TREASURER'S REPORT

Samantha Secomb presented the accounts, fully audited and in order.

The current bank balance stands at £6,543 and from this it will be possible to make a donation to the Westgate Community Association of £1,000, subject to the agreement of members.    Since this year the Charter trustees are not supplying a Christmas tree for Westgate, one has been purchased by the W&WRA for £300.   Business rates for the office space in the Town Hall Building of £196 have been paid.

 EDITOR’S REPORT

Derek thanked those members who had sent in articles, and requested more for the  next edition.

 

SUNSHINE REPORT         None

MEMBERSHIP                   None

 CIVIC REPORT

Westgate Heritage Centre (in St Saviour's Church).  Next meeting is Saturday 3rd January at 10.30am when there will be a talk by Dr Dawn Crouch about the Tower House, Canterbury Road.

 
PRESS REPORT

Richard told the meeting that last month's report had been published in two halves on consecutive weeks, so he will condense the next report.

 SOCIAL

1)      Quiz Night.  November's quiz was good and the next one is in February.

2)      Christmas Party.  This Wednesday.

3)      New Year Lunch.  Sunday 11th January at St Augustines.  A few places still available.

4)      Trips/Outings.  Ideas and suggestions welcome for next year's programme,  there is a list in the Bake House.

 
ANY OTHER BUSINESS

1)      Councillors.  It was noted that, though invited, very few councillors attend W&WRA meetings, and members asked if attendance records for the year could be made available.

 
NEXT MEETING

 Monday 12th January, in the Westbrook Bowls Club.

 

There being no other business the meeting concluded at 8.40pm.

 

Tuesday 9 December 2014

1,000 New Homes for Westgate

Residents' Meeting 8th December 2014

A bombshell was dropped at the Westgate and Westbrook Residents meeting last night. Chairman Tom King reported that the Thanet Local Plan policy on housing was to build 10,000 homes in Thanet of which 1,000 will be build at the south end of Westgate and Garlinge on green agricultural land.

The proposed development would stretch west of Minster Road to Quex and to the east to Garlinge and Dent de Lion.  Houses on the East side of Belmont Road which at present back on to farmland will back on to a large housing estate.
A plan of the proposed development can be found on this link at page 26 and details page 59 of attached document. http://democracy.thanet.gov.uk/documents/g3938/Public%20reports%20pack%2027th-Nov-2014%2019.00%20Overview%20and%20Scrutiny%20Panel.pdf?T=10

This document is 256 pages long and contains many other controversial plans. Opinions expressed last night at the meeting were that a public consultation of 6 weeks in the New Year is not enough. Looking at the plan to read it all would probably take longer than reading "War and Peace." Having skimmed through the many pages there does not appear to be any reference, correct me if I am wrong, to where we are going to get the water to supply all these dwellings and where is all the sewage going. Southern Water cannot cope with current demands I hate to think what the building of 10,000 home will do.

Another area concerns Westbrook and the suggestion to use 'Barnes' Westbrook promenade car park as a coach park. This is ridiculous when we are trying to develop tourism. Coaches should be able to drop off and then coach parking should be provide away from the coast. This would leave our tourist sites more accessible. This car park is used all the year round and is often full in the summertime. Fill it with coaches and tourists will then be parking in the surrounding streets. The Beach Management Plan has suggested this site be used for motorhomes so there is a conflict there.

I would suggest that you read this plan and participate in the consultation. The future of our towns and villages depends on it.

Thursday 13 November 2014

Westgate and Westbrook Residents' Meeting November 2014


WESTGATE AND WESTBROOK RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

MINUTES OF A GENERAL MEETING HELD AT THE TOWN HALL BUILDINGS ON MONDAY 10th  NOVEMBER 2014 AT 7.15PM.


 

PRESENT


Tom King, chairman and councillor, thirty six members, and KCC Cllr Jeff Elenor.

 

The chairman welcomed all to the meeting.

 

APOLOGIES

Apologies had been received from Richard Charlton and Derek and Chris Smith.

 

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

 

1)      Review of Governance Arrangements.  There is to be an extraordinary meeting at TDC to consider the recommendations of the working party: That a Westgate-on-Sea Parish Council be created, and that the remainder of Margate should retain the Charter Trustees.  There had been letters, leaflets, meetings, consultations, press adverts, publicity teams, tweets twice a day, with copies of the information sent to libraries and community groups prior to the recommendation.  Public meetings had been held in Westgate and Margate and had been attended by 100 and 20 persons respectively.  There appeared to be a good deal of interest in forming a Westgate Parish Council, but little interest in one for Margate.  If the recommendations are ratified questions are likely to arise and Tom has been in touch with the democratic services manager, and the finance and legal officers.  

Questions were then invited from the floor: These included arrangements for a shadow PC as in other areas, a more accurate estimate for the cost of the precept (as in band D) which is £36, not £24, and the additional precept that will be required in the council tax as fewer households will be contributing towards the Margate Charter Trustees.  It was noted that these points had not been taken up by the local press.   The effect on the W&WRA was raised, Tom felt that the relationship between PCs and RAs should be constructive (although it has been known for them not to get along).  He expressed the opinion that for a member of the W&WRA to be also on the Parish Council could be a conflict of interest.  The meeting is to be held on 18th November at 7.00pm at the TDC chambers and the public gallery is available for residents.

2)      St Mildred's Bay Slipway.  It had been pointed out that there were no railings on one side of the slipway and a dog had fallen and injured itself here, and this could possibly happen to a child.  Tom is to see Mike Humber of TDC.

3)      Westgate Bay Avenue/Dent-de-Lion Road.  Blocked drains had been reported after the rain, but the cause was due to leaves requiring removal and Tom has contacted TDC  for action.

4)      Elm Grove by St Saviour's School.  It had been reported that a nearby site had been cleared, but Tom confirmed that no planning applications had  been received.

5)      ASB Dispersal Notices.  Ethelbert Square and the Station areas had been much better, residents have asked that the benches be re-sited to reduce possible nuisance and this had been agreed.

6)      Footpath Lights, between Ursuline and King Ethelbert Schools.  None of the lights are working, and Tom reported that these are the responsibility of TDC (not KCC), although KCC are obtaining an estimate for TDC.   

 

  MINUTES OF LAST MEETING

The minutes of the last meeting, (13th October 2014), which had been circulated, were adopted on a prop by Don Eacott sec by Tony Snow, and signed.

 

MATTERS ARISING

1)      34, Westgate Bay Avenue.  A substantial part of the wall had been knocked down, as yet Tom had been unable to contact planning enforcement, and is watching to see if there should be any planning applications.  There are trees on site and Tom has arranged to receive copies of all applications for tree work.

2)      St Mildred's Bay Car Park.  Tom had spoken to Mr Smith of TDC who said the car park was under used, one member asked if they were taking any money now as it appears that motorists are completely avoiding it.  The general feeling of the meeting was that residents would prefer to pay by using a meter as before, as there were complications with the new arrangements, not everyone has mobile phones or can get a signal in the venue, and many were concerned about the security of giving out card numbers over the phone. The charges are not displayed on the notices.

3)      W&WRA Accounts.  Tom confirmed that these have now been  audited and will be ready  this week and made available to members.

4)      TDC Chief Executive.  James Brazier asked if the chief executive was coming back as she was still on the payroll.  Tom said that this was not yet known. 

 

COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

KCC Cllr Jeff Elenor:

1)      St Mildred's and Station Roads.  Members were very pleased with the resurfacing of these roads. 

2)      Hospice Fundraising Event.  This had been supported by Brenda Blethin and been very successful. 

3)      “Essential Furniture”.  Jeff told the meeting that this company takes and will collect good second hand furniture which is placed at reasonable prices according to need.  They are at present in Hersden but are planning to have a place in Margate.

4)      Westgate Bay Avenue Crossing.  Jeff has put much of his member's discretionary funding towards this, as some older residents have difficulty crossing this road and could become isolated.

 

CORRESPONDENCE

1)      Promenade Bins and Lifebuoys.  The extra (seasonal) bins had been removed, unfortunately the lifebuoys had been vandalised five times recently.

2)      Public Address System.  This had been purchased with the KCC grant.  It is transportable and may also be used with battery power.  It is for the community, and has been used by Westgate Community Centre.

3)      Police Community Messages (received by email).  Minor crimes in the area included vehicles being broken into and windows smashed, and hubcaps stolen.  Some households had received flyers bearing the wording “important notice” and an address “RSL Metro House” This is a scam and should be disregarded.   

 

PLANNING

1)      14 Wellesley Road.  Application for permission to erect part one storey and part two storey extension following demolition of existing extension.

2)      22, Carlton Road West.  Application for permission to erect a single storey front and side extension, and alteration to roof.

3)      20 Carlton Road East.  Retrospective application for permission for french doors and first floor balcony. 

4)      41 Royal Esplanade.  Application to demolish existing  house and build blocks of flats.  This application  has caused great concern and a petition is going round. If this was allowed it would set a precedent.  Ward councillor Mick Tomlinson is calling it in.  Tom thought the hearing may be in about two months time, on the third Wednesday during which the public may attend.

 

TREASURER'S REPORT  None.

EDITOR’S REPORT          None.

SUNSHINE REPORT         None

MEMBERSHIP                   None

 

CIVIC REPORT

Westgate Heritage Centre (in St Saviour's Church).  Next meeting is Saturday 6th December at 10.30am when there will be a talk by Dr Dawn Crouch and Sally Whitworth about their research into the names on the war memorial boards of Wellington House School.

 

SOCIAL

1)      Quiz Night.  To be held on Wednesday 19th November at the Bake House.

2)      Christmas Party.  All welcome.

3)      New Year Lunch.  Sunday 11th January at St Augustines.  Booking forms and menus available from the Bake House, names and deposits required by 24th November.

Also there is a talk on “Defence of Thanet in WW2” at the Community Centre on 20th November at 7.30pm.

 

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

1)      Fly Tipping.  Tony Sykes reported that fly tipping has taken place in the Barnes car park, on informing TDC they had very promptly cleared this up. 

2)      CAAG Groups.  Chris Wyer reported that both Westgate and Margate had written to oppose the proposed development at 41 Royal Esplanade.

 

NEXT MEETING

 Monday 8th December, as it is the Christmas meeting it will be held again in the Town Hall Building.

There being no other business the meeting concluded at 8.30pm.

Tuesday 21 October 2014

Windy Westbrook Walk

Just got back from a ramble on Westbrook cliff tops as Hurricane Gonzalo flicks its tail towards us. At 12 noon high tide has passed and fortunately the gale is 'westing' rather than 'northing' at the moment. Walking towards Westgate it was difficult to remain perpendicular as the strength of the wind moves towards its predicted 70 MPH. Breathing is also difficult given the strength of the gale. No spectacular pictures of tidal surges. Next high tide around 11 pm tonight might be more difficult if the wind springs to northwest as predicted however the tide tables show the high is a moderate 4.9 metres unless there is a surge in the North Sea.






 
Moving Beach huts to winter storage in Barnes Car park becomes a tricky operation.

Saturday 18 October 2014

WESTGATE AND WESTBROOK RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Minutes of Meeting 13 Oct 2014


WESTGATE AND WESTBROOK

RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

 

MINUTES OF A GENERAL MEETING HELD AT THE WESTBROOK BOWLS CLUB ON MONDAY 13th  OCTOBER 2014 AT 7.15PM.


 

 

PRESENT


Tom King, chairman and councillor, twenty one members, and KCC Cllr Jeff Elenor.

 

The chairman welcomed all attending especially on such a wet evening.

 

APOLOGIES

Apologies had been received from Stephanie Sutton.

 

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

 

1)      Dreamland Briefing.  Tom reported that he had just come from a briefing for councillors about plans for the site, which include some original items, retail outlets, restaurants, ballroom, and pin ball area etc which will all be marketed.  The opening will take place in 2015.  

2)      Library Service.  A “Kent on Sunday” article had featured formal plans to hand over the running of libraries to a charitable trust.  There is a twelve week consultation period which has just started.  If this change goes ahead it is estimated to save half a million pounds, business rates would no longer apply.  The service should continue as at present (the museum and libraries' act protects library services).  Suffolk CC has made this change successfully.  Consultation forms are available at libraries.

 

 

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING

The minutes of the last meeting, (8th September 2014), which had been circulated, were adopted on a prop by Richard Charlton sec by Darren Ellis, and signed.

 

MATTERS ARISING

1)      TV Reception.  This was still poor in many areas especially the BBC.  The suggestion from Offcom that those affected should purchase receiving equipment at around £200 was regarded as an insult.

2)      Anti Social Behaviour.  Richard Charlton reported that when the congregations of youngsters are moved away from the station by the police, they often end up in Ethelbert Square causing disturbance to local residents.  Tom has raised awareness of this problem at the Community Safety meetings.

3)      Governance Review.  James Brazier referred to the meeting of the Council Boundary and Electoral working party.  Tom reminded the meeting that residents may attend any council meeting, except those designated as confidential.  The views of the other local ward councillors concerning a possible Westgate parish council was not known.

4)      St Milded's Bay Car Park.  Residents and visitors had been avoiding the car park since notices went up requiring payment by mobile phone and credit card, sometimes there is no phone signal, and there is concern about giving out credit card numbers over the telephone.  One of the notices is with the disabled space parking notices giving rise to concern that those disabled may have to pay.  Tom agreed to clarify the situation from the council.

5)      34, Westgate Bay Avenue.  Following concern about this site as the trees had been very severely cut and part of the flint wall taken down, Tom has arranged with the KCC to receive a copy of their list of trees undergoing work.  These trees are on the list, most tree work is carried out by an independent firm but the KCC makes checks.  Other areas in Sea Road and Lockwood are on the list.

 

COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

KCC Cllr Jeff Elenor:

1)      Library Service.  KCC are proud they have retained all the seventy nine libraries in the county, and are not intending to close any.  There are questionnaire forms available at the library about the  new proposals, group points of view are welcome.  Jeff agreed to find out who is eligible to sit on the trust.

2)      Community Warden Service.  KCC have to save 250M£, and in round figures one hundred staff will be reduced by fifty, covering management, administration, supervisors, and wardens.

3)      Kerb Stones.  In answer to a question Jeff confirmed that there is one contractor who uses plastic kerb stones.

4)      New Trees in Westgate.  Jeff had arranged for these trees to be watered, and recent rain as well should ensure their survival.

5)      Weeds.  Extra spraying had been carried out and Bridge road tidied up.  Julian Smith pointed out that  the metal railing by the junction of Bridge Road and Westbrook Avenue was loose.

6)      Westbrook Shops Area.  It was pointed out that the road easily becomes flooded during rain, as does part of the dual carriageway.

 

CORRESPONDENCE

1)      Beach Management Plan for Thanet.  A lengthy report had been produced with ideas for maximising the asset for tourism.  Some residents were concerned about the beach accomodation, eco-huts, and overnight camper vans that had been suggested.  At St Mildred's Bay the old closed cafe and horseshoe huts could be phased into the new scheme as also the Westbrook cafe.  It was noted that contrary to previous information all the old style beach huts by the Sea Bathing hospital site had been removed.  

 

PLANNING

1)      28, Roxburgh Road.  Appllication for permission to replace timber windows with UPVC ones.

2)      Lockwoods Yard.  The site is now under an enforcement order to reinstate the wall.

3)      12, Thanet Road.  Application for retrospective permission to erect a two metre high boundary fence.

4)      14, Barn Crescent.  Application for permission to erect a two storey side extension.

5)      20, Carlton Road East.  The planing committee has been called in to check the application for french doors and a balcony on the first floor. 

 

 

 

TREASURER'S REPORT

Sam Secomb told the meeting that the  bank balance stood  at £7,511, and the year to date to the end of September showed an income of £10,490, and an expenditure of £8,790.  Some  of the Bake House renovations had been covered from the memorial fund for Barbara.  The profit had been made by hard work of the  residents, and their views as to how this may best be spent should be sought.  Various suggestions were made including a contribution towards a crossing for Westgate  Bay Avenue, the Community Centre refurbishment, paint for the library, the old putting  green  area.  James Brazier felt that the audited accounts are required before further consideration, and several members said that a reasonable reserve should be kept as magazine printing is costly.

 

EDITOR’S REPORT       None.

SUNSHINE REPORT      None

MEMBERSHIP                None

 

 

CIVIC REPORT

Margate Civic Society.  Next meeting Thursday 6th  November,  a talk “Richborough Port and World War 1” by Dr Frank Andrews.

 

 

SOCIAL

1)      Quiz Night.  This was held on 8th October and enjoyed by all.

2)      Ramsgate Caves.  A trip to see the caves is to be arranged.

3)      Trip to Deal next Wednesday.

 

 

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

1)      Promenade Rubbish Bins.  It was pointed out that three of these had gone from St Mildred's Bay, so that no bins were available between Rowena Court and West Bay.  Also noted the lifebelt previously by the pool was missing. 

2)      Tesco Arlington.  Tesco had pulled out of this development, as yet it was not known what was going to happen at the site.

3)      Westgate Sign.  This had again been vandalised with graffiti.  Darren Ellis offered to clean it again.

4)      TDC Chief Executive.  It was noted from the floor that this executive had been on  leave for five months and the TDC  had an interim director.  Tom explained that the general purposes committee make these appointments, and that a barrister is going to report on his findings.

5)      Traffic Accidents in Westbrook.  Chris Wyer pointed out that these accidents had  left the area and walls damaged and looking very tatty, and asked if TDC could bring to bear any pressure to help effect repairs.

6)      Westcliff House.  Westgate CAAG are meeting to view the plans.  The building is being converted to flats, but some houses are to be build adjacent to this to help offset the costs.  There was concern about the proximity to Ellingham.

7)      Signs re Units by Garden Centre.  These had appeared recently, and Darren Ellis thought they could be a reference to possible retail units.

8)      Christmas Lights Switch on.  This is scheduled to take place on Sunday 30th November.

 

NEXT MEETING

 Monday 10th November in the Town Hall Building.

 

There being no other business the meeting concluded at 8.50pm.

Wednesday 17 September 2014

Town Councils What's it all About?

I do not get involved with politics but I am worried about increasing bureaucracy especially with our local council.

The proposition is that Westgate becomes a parish council and Margate (including Cliftonville, Garlinge and Westbrook) becomes a town council.

The consultation is ending on 29th September either on line or by getting a form from the Gateway.

There have been a few public meetings but generally I would allege that many residents do not know anything about what is going on. Everyone I have spoken to appears against the proposed town and parish councils.

It is all very well putting it on line but many people have not access, ability or interest to do this. Why has every household not been leafleted with information and a form?

It worries me that this extra layer of local governance will take place by stealth.

We have problems at the present between KCC and TDC and who deals with what. Put another layer in place and chaos rules. On top of this we are expected to pay a premium for the privilege.

We have enough trouble in this neck of the woods contacting current councillors or even getting them to attend residents' meetings so another increase in the same seems to me ridiculous.

Can anyone tell me why we should have town councils?

Follow this link to find out more:  http://thanet.gov.uk/the-thanet-magazine/get-involved/consultation/2014/stage-2-margate-community-governance-review/