WESTGATE AND WESTBROOK RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Meeting Feb 2020

MINUTES OF A GENERAL MEETING HELD AT THE BOWLS CLUB ON MONDAY 10^th  FEBRUARY 2020 AT 7.15PM.

PRESENT

Tom King (Ch), and thirty five members, including TDC Cllr Ash Ashbee-Welch, WTC Cllr Joanna Cornford.  Also present Tim Green and Penny Wells, prospective candidates for the forthcoming Westgate Town Council election.

APOLOGIES

Bob Loxley.

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

1)       General Meetings.  Tom informed members that the monthly meetings would continue, alternating between Westbrook Bowls Club and Christ Church URC. Due to various commitments the second Monday was difficult for a number of committee members, and Tom asked the meeting if the first Monday in the month would be acceptable.  This was agreed.

2)      Information for Members.  The notice board near “Krusty Kobbs”, and the window of Tescos Westbrook will be available for notices of meetings etc.

3)      Constitution.  This requires updating and clarifying.  Some of the previous committee had been looking at this and Don Eacott had supplied a suggested revised text for consideration.

4)      Membership Lists.  Information is awaited.

5)      New Businesses in Westgate.  Two have opened, a Pizza shop, and “The Little Brown Fairy Cake”.

6)      WTC Bye-election.  The two candidates had both come to the meeting to address members, unfortunately at this point Tim Green who is in the fire service received a call out and had to leave.  Penny Wells told the meeting that she had lived in the area since the 1980s and had been involved in the community in many ways and hopes to help look after Westgate especially in view of the forthcoming development.

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

The minutes of the last general meeting, (14/10/19), which had been circulated, were agreed as a correct record on a proposal by James Brazier sec. by Don Eacott, and signed.

The minutes of the EGM held on the 13^th January 2020, also circulated, were agreed as a correct record on a proposal by Derek Smith sec. by Stephanie Sutton, and signed.

REPORTS Cllrs, PCSOs, WARDEN'S:

WTC Cllr Joanna Cornford:

1)       Advertisements in the new WTC magazine.  Cllr Cornford pointed out that these had not been “nicked” from the Record magazine.

TDC Cllr Ash Ashbee-Welch:

1)       Tree Project on Council Land.  TDC has managed to win a bid for a large amount for an urban tree project for Isle of Thanet trees.  The funding is matched by the airport owners and voluntary labour matchfunding.  There will be 1,200 trees in all.  Help and advice will be given by Luke Evans, (Thanet Forestry Community School), and Peter Hasted.  Trees will be planted in Dane Park, Dane Valley Green, (which will help prevent travellers from camping), the Sunken Gardens and George V Green.  This will hel;p raise Thanet’s tree canopy coverage which is now only 4%, (London is 29%).

2)      George V Avenue.  KCC is to build a large soakaway which is to prevent flooding, after which all the green will be put back and trees planted.

KCC Warden Laura Bungard: (Report sent in and read by the chair):

1)      Scams.  Golden Rule do not have a conversation or agree to work being done by anyone who calls at the door, recently offers to clear gutters or do odd jobs have been unsatisfactory.

2)      TDC Lorries, Pot Holes and Drains.  Problems with these are being chased up.

3)       Contact.  Laura may be contacted by email laurabungard@kent.gov.uk or by phone 07969 583922, and her details are held at the Town Council Offices.

Police Messages (by email):

1)      Scam.  Calls received supposedly from BT or Open Reach asking to add a program to your computer to help it work faster.  Disregard this.

2)      Scam.  Spurious drain/sewer unblocker calls, claiming to be from the local council and asks for bank card and pin to pay for the work.  Do not get involved.

PLANNING

1)      30, Bowes Avenue.  Application for single storey rear extension.

2)      2/74, St Mildred’s Road.  Application for removal of chimney.

3)      Budget Beaters, Station Road.  Application for change of frontage.  This is to be called in.

4)      5, Bowes Avenue. Application for single storey front side and rear extension.

5)      3, Westcliff Road. Application for single storey rear extension.

6)      Paul’s Bar.  Retrospective application for external shelter.

7)      Springfield.  Application for change of use from care home to five bedroom detached dwelling.

8)      Royal Sea Bathing Hospital.  Application to build two metre boundary wall following demolition of old wall.

TREASURER'S REPORT (Jane)

Jane reported that the paperwork had been received, and the accounts are being audited as arranged by the previous treasurer.

The bank account stands at £4,420.  The necessary forms have been sent to the bank for change of name of treasurer.

Expenses had included £960 for postage etc. and the meeting at The Swan, and payment for entries in three editions of the WTC magazines totalling £1,400.  The deficit for the year had been £775, in spite of refunds from the electricity company which were owed.

In answer to a question Jane confirmed that the subscriptions would continue as before, and may be paid by direct debit if convenient.

Jane undertook to give a brief report at each general meeting for transparency regarding the state of the account and ins and outs of the month.

EDITOR & PRESS REPORT

Ash reported that she was in touch with Emma Dublin of “Westgate Matters” for help in setting up a facebook page for the W&WRA, it would be an outward only page.

Minutes are to be only available for W&WRA and not available to the general public or on other websites.

The Record magazine used to pay for itself with the advertisement fees, and it has been relatively costly, @£350/month, to use pages in the WTC magazine.  Ash had contacted Adam Robson and as a gesture of goodwill two pages have been made available for the next edition free of charge.  It is hoped to have the “Record” magazine up and running as soon as possible.

The postal address will remain at St Augustines for correspondence.

Jane asked that any road stewards who had copies of their rounds supply these in order to help to help with delivery of magazines and subscription collection.  Jacquie said she had hard copies of these she could supply.

SOCIAL REPORT

A suggestion to hold a VE Day Lunch in place of the New Year Lunch was put to members for feedback.  The idea appeared to be received favourably.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

1)       Travellers’ Sites.  Chris Wyer enquired if the council had been able to allocate sites.  Cllr Ash said there is a working party for this, which was a difficult problem to solve and some sites had been refused and it was back to review.

2)      Tennis Courts by St Mildred’s Bay.  Don Eacott pointed out that there was no fence round the lower pair of courts, and asked if this could be remedied. Cllr Ash replied that there was no spare finance at present.

3)      Laura Shawyer thanked all committee members for their voluntary hard work, and expressed the hope that the W&WRA will go forward in a positive way.

NEXT MEETING

This will be held on Monday 2^nd March at Christ Church URC (54, Westgate Bay Avenue) at 7.00pm for 7.15pm.

The meeting concluded at 8.48pm.

WESTGATE AND WESTBROOK RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Meeting Feb 2019

MINUTES OF A GENERAL MEETING HELD AT THE BOWLS CLUB ON MONDAY 11^th  FEBRUARY 2019 AT 7.15PM.

PRESENT

Ray Taylor (chair), twenty one members, TDC Cllr Carol Messenger and WTC Cllrs Joanna Cornford and Matthew Scott.

The chairman initiated a few moments of silence in memory of Ruth Shilling a member who had recently died following a difficult illness, at all times remaining brave and positive. 

APOLOGIES

Apologies had been received from Pat Sawyer-Jones, Stephanie Sutton and TDC Cllr Sam Bambridge.

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

The minutes of the last meeting, (14/01/19), which had been circulated, were agreed as a correct record on a prop. by James Brazier sec. by Tony Snow, and adopted, and signed.

MATTERS ARISING

1)      There were no matters arising.

REPORTS: Councillors-KCC, TDC, WTC. PCSOs and Wardens.

TDC Cllr Carol Messenger:

1)      Lymington Road Crossing.  There has been a report concerning safety at this site, and as a result new more visible lights will shortly be installed.  Cllr Messenger has also asked for a sign to be put up.

2)      Ramsgate Port.  The ferry contract offer to Seaborne Freight has been withdrawn, but the Port is still being looked at to offer Brexit resilience.  Some dredging had been carried out, and it was hoped a ferry service might bridge a budget gap, the government had asked TDC to wait before a decision is made to decide the budget.  TDC did not want the expense to fall on council tax payers.

3)      Camping/The Homeless.  Cllr Messenger is looking to have the bye-law reinstated concerning no camping allowed on the sea front.  A TDC sweep showed that those in tents and homeless had been reduced by 50%, temporary accommodation had been offered, but some would not accept help.  Any new homeless people turning up  should be reported to TDC for help.    

Questions:  James Brazier expressed concern about the possibility of part of Hartsdown Park, a public open space, being used for a hotel.  It was thought that this is proposed to be built in the Football Club grounds.

WTC Cllr Matthew Scott:

1)      Ruth Shilling.  The WTC had acknowledged the recent death of “local hero” Ruth.

2)      Precept.  A full WTC meeting had set the precept, which is an increase of 3%, and for band D is now £55.80.

3)      Speedwatch.  There are more sessions to follow. 

4)      WTC Surgeries.  These are held on the third Saturday of the month, at the library, the next one being the 16^th February, when Matt and Robert Micallef will be in attendance. 

5)      Pancake Race.  This will be held on Tuesday 5^th March, 10.00am to 11.00am.

6)      Westgate in Bloom.  The group will give the type of work a trial, the cost will be almost nil as many plants have been donated.  Thanks are due to Cllr Robert Micallef for kindly sourcing three hundred trees, free of charge, for planting in and around Westgate.

Questions/Comments:  James Brazier noted that when the precept was put with the whole council tax the increase would be approximately 1.5%.

Julian Smith expressed concern at the amount of rubbish weeds and dog mess around the streets of Westgate and Westbrook.

KCC Warden Laura Bungard:

Laura has been busy with the usual ongoing items, litter, dumped rubbish, potholes, drains, parking, untaxed vehicles etc., neighbourhood disputes and reports of pot smoking in residential areas have also been dealt with.

Laura has also been in touch with KCC re plans for Brexit and Manston and Dover Docks, should any problem arise in this area.

The Elderly and Vulnerable.  We are asked to keep an eye out for these especially during cold weather.

Laura's contact:  tel 07969583922, and email laura.bungard@kent.gov.uk

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

The chairman thanked the Bake and Alehouse for installing a defibrillator, and also thanked Westgate Town Council for publishing a list of locations of defibrillators in Westgate.

Concerning the Bake House, there had been  changes in terms and conditions which had caused issues.  Financial analysis showed that at the new hourly rental, a two hour coffee morning would be £17, during which takings might be about £5, and if open for the five mornings each week would create a loss of £3,000 per year.  During the four months closure of the Bake House many of the members had come to enjoy coffee mornings at several different venues, and the committee had suggested trying Wednesday mornings at the Bake House for a trial period, and the alternate monthly general meetings on the second Monday evenings which would reduce outgoings.  The W&WRA would have to remove their furniture, papers and records, and photo albums etc.

It is hoped that we could concentrate on a wider age group and families in the community, by putting on events such as an Easter Egg hunt, a Beach Party, and joining up with Westgate in Bloom.

The Chairman expressed concern at the option offered by the Landlords that the W&WRA should promote and seek other renters for the Bake House, things can go wrong with sub renters and the W&WRA are not qualified as letting agents, and who would manage and facilitate such bookings?

Questions/Comments:

Don Eacott had always thought that the Bake House was a white elephant, with the large number of members subsidising the few who use it.

A vote was taken on the chairman's proposal to request use of the Bake House for Wednesday mornings for coffee, and the alternate monthly general meetings on the second Monday evenings for a trial period.  This was passed by 15 votes to 3 with a few abstentions.

CORRESPONDENCE

1)      From the Police by E-mail.  Residents are advised to be very aware of scam emails purporting to come from BT and offering refunds.

2)      A member had been approached by two supposed roofers about tiles on the roof, the advice is not to become involved. 

PLANNING  APPLICATIONS

1)      United Services Club, Westgate.  Application for installation of solar panels.

2)      315, Canterbury Road.  Application for erection of single storey side extension with increase in height of garage.

3)      16, Seymour Avenue.  Application for erection of first floor side extension over existing garage conversion.

4)      7, Hundreds Farm Stables, Canterbury Road.  Application for conversion og garages into habitable rooms.

5)      5, Harold Avenue.  Application for single storey side extension. REFUSED.

6)      30, Argyle Avenue.  Application for front and rear dormer windows to facilitate loft conversion.  GRANTED.

7)      174A, Linksfield Road.  Application for single storey side extension to create annexe following demolition of existing garage.  GRANTED.

TREASURER'S REPORT  

The bank balance stands at £5,775.  There is a bill of £239 outstanding for buildings insurance up to the end of September, and the treasurer is writing to Westgate Investment Co requesting a refund on the £260 for each of October November and December when access was denied.

EDITOR'S REPORT

Ray Taylor informed the meeting that the next magazine, due out in March was well under way.

SUNSHINE REPORT

Mavis reported that six cards had been sent this month.

MEMBERSHIP

Christina reported that the files were being prepared for the new association year.

CIVIC REPORT

Westgate Heritage Centre:  Saturday 2^nd March at 10.30am at St Saviour's Church, The AGM will be held, followed by a short talk by Dr Dawn Crouch on “Objects we have been given in the past year”.  The objects will be available for viewing.

Civic Society: Thursday 7^th March at the Walpole Bay Hotel at 7.30pm, a talk  “A Schoolgirl's War”, storey of a Kent schoolgirl during WWII by Mary Smith.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

PRESS REPORT

Pat Castle had sent the press a report on the new year lunch, thanking all for their work in organising the event.

SOCIAL REPORT

1)      Easter Egg Hunt.  This will take place in Westgate, and be a good way to engage with the children and community.

2)      Beach Party West Bay.  Sunday 9^th June in conjunction with West Bay Cafe.

3)      Next social lunch at The Swan will be  17^th February.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

1)      Drug Dealing in Westbrook?  Concern was expressed by a member following observations.    Cllr Scott, who had attended the recent NEM meeting  had learned that dealers were  coming off trains at Westgate Station instead of Margate as there were fewer police searches.  It was hoped to improve the situation, and have CCTV at Westgate Station, and Cllr Scott had spoken to the local PCSO and Neighbourhood Watch.  Literature is available at the council offices.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

   It was thought to be a good idea to invite the local PCSO to one of the  general meetings, (there is a PCSO surgery at the library on the first Wednesday of the month).                                        

NEXT MEETING

Monday 11^th March, Venue TBA.  

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

WESTGATE AND WESTBROOK RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION December 2018 Meeting

WESTGATE AND WESTBROOK

RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

MINUTES OF A GENERAL MEETING HELD AT THE BOWLS CLUB ON MONDAY 10^th  DECEMBER 2018 AT 7.15PM.

PRESENT

Ray Taylor (chair), nineteen members, and TDC Cllr Carol Messenger. 

APOLOGIES

Apologies had been received from TDC Cllr Sam Bambridge and WTC Cllr Matthew Scott..

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

The minutes of the last meeting, (12/11/18), which had been circulated, were agreed as a correct record on a prop. by Mavis Vaughan sec. by Cllr Carol Messenger, and adopted, and signed.

MATTERS ARISING

1)      Road Surface, Canterbury Road.  Cllr Carol Messenger informed the meeting that KCC have planned for the A28 from Brooksend to the clock tower to be resurfaced at a cost of 2.9M£.  No further information had been received concerning damaged tree roots or blocked drains.

REPORTS: Councillors-KCC, TDC, WTC. PCSOs and Wardens.

TDC Cllr Carol Messenger: Report has been covered under matters arising.

KCC WARDEN Laura Bungard: (report sent in and read out by the chairman).

1)      Untaxed Vehicles.  Laura reports these when seen, TDC only considers a vehicle abandoned if it has no road tax.  Untaxed vehicles are reported to DVLA which are then clamped and removed.  Vehicles without MOT or tax risk voiding their insurance.

2)      Drains.  These become blocked and Laura reports and chases up KCC.

3)      Pedestrian Crossing, Westgate Bay Avenue.  There have been complaints about safety, and Laura brings this to the notice of KCC.

4)      Potholes.  These are reported as necessary.

5)      Elderly and Vulnerable Friends/Neighbours.  Ask them if they are OK especially regarding heating, shopping, company and care.  If there are concerns report to Laura.

6)      Laura may be contacted by phone 07969 583922 or by email laura.bungard@kent.gov.uk .

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT 

1)      Bake House.  This was expected to be available on 1^st December but no date has yet been given.  Rumours have been circulating that it will not be opening again and the W&WRA may collapse.  Our involvement in the community has been put out on Face Book

2)      Christmas Lights Switch On.  Very well attended.  Ruth (our local hero) switched on the lights

3)      Remembrance Day 2019.  WTC Cllr Bob Micallef is looking for knitters for next year's remembrance day.

4)      Job Vacancies within the W&WRA.  The AGM is held in May when a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Editor, Treasurer, and Social Secretary will be required.

CORRESPONDENCE

None relevant.

PLANNING  APPLICATIONS

1)      123 Canterbury Road.  Application for listed building consent for replacement, repair, and reinstatement of windows with timber sash and casement dormer windows to match original.

2)      11 Audley Avenue.  Part retrospective application for single storey pitched roof rear extension following demolition of conservatory.  GRANTED

3)      11, Royal Esplanade.  Application for erection of 2 storey 2 bed attached dwelling with dormers to front and rear.   REFUSED

4)      29 Royal Esplanade.  Change of use of existing dwelling to 3 x 2bed and 2 x 1 bed self contained flats.  REFUSED

TREASURER'S REPORT  

Bank balance stands at £6,317.  Bills are paid to date, some rental money from AA and EKIDS will be returned as the Bake House has not been available to them.  The standing order for the Bake House rent of £260/month is still going out and the treasurer will be sending an email to the landlady to clarify the position.

The treasurer, Sam Secomb, has informed the W&WRA that she will be unable to stand for re-election in May and has been warmly thanked  for her excellent work in this office.

EDITOR'S REPORT

Ray Taylor reported that the magazines had gone out.  The face Book page was building up well.  Re the coming vacancy for editor, Don Eacott pointed out that in the past the W&WRA has employed an editor which was not too expensive, and could be worth looking at.  Ray said that with the adverts revenue the magazine was cost neutral.  More advertising may help, and a comment had been received requesting more articles.

SUNSHINE REPORT

Mavis reported that no cards had been required this month.

MEMBERSHIP

Christina reported that all memberships had been paid up to date..

CIVIC REPORT

Westgate Heritage Centre:  Saturday 5^th January at 10.30am at St Saviour's Church, an illustrated talk on the history of Westgate-on-Sea Railway Station will be given by Dr Graham Field.

Civic Society: 13^th December at the Walpole Bay Hotel at 7.30pm , Christmas  Social and 50^th Anniversary celebration with  1960s films , music, and photo quiz, raffle and refreshments.  All welcome, there will be a charge of £6.50  for non-members.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

PRESS REPORT

Pat Castle had sent a report to the Gazette, and the information had been printed but not the photograph.  Ray thought it would be worth trying also with the “Community Ad” and “Isle of Thanet News”.

SOCIAL REPORT

1)      New Year Lunch.  Ninety six people had booked for the New Year Lunch on 13^th January so far in spite of difficulties caused by the Bake House closure.

2)      Next social lunch at The Swan will be February, date TBA.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

1)      Bridge Road.   James Brazier pointed out that the contractor had done an excellent job in tidying up the area and banks.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

2)      Westbrook Avenue.  Buses were having difficulties getting through where cars were parked on both sides of the road, a member also reported an accident due to this narrowing the road.    The enforcement team now had new and more efficient staff deployed.  This road will be busy when  the A28 is resurfaced.                                        

3)      Bumble Bee Conservation Trust.  There will be a planting session on the undercliff green on Tuesday morning.   

4)      Homeless People.  Cllr Carol Messenger asked to be informed of any homeless people found as there is now a special team who can help them.  This has reduced the number of homeless in Thanet.

NEXT MEETING

Monday 14^th January at The Bake House (Hopefully?).  

There being no other business the meeting concluded at 8.05pm.

Westgate Village Green Registration Approved

 

 

Westgate Now has a Town/Village Green

 

 

At a packed public meeting of the Kent County Council Commons Registration Committee at the Swan Hotel Westgate on 3rd June 2014 the result of the Public Enquiry recommending registration of land adjacent to Ursuline Drive Westgate  as a Village/Town Green was discussed.

Representations were made on behalf of the landowners (King Ethelbert's School) and the applicant.

The decision of the Committee was that the Inspector's recommendation be accepted and the land should be formally registered as a Town Green. This means that this field is protected and ensures the continued use by local residents as an area for leisure and recreation.

See also reports on this blog dated 27/11/2013 and 27/3/14.

Junk Food Junk

Lov'n It

I think not. The result of an allegedly 'Happy' meal dumped at the lookout point at St Mildred's Bay. How can so much rubbish be created from a takeaway meal. This is a sight that is appearing all over Thanet. Its not just the Big 'M' but others too.

If these companies can brainwash people into eating their 'food', then why can they not brainwash these people to dispose of their waste responsibly. This is pollution on a grand scale.

Not only is this a social cost it also has an economic cost to the community. Thanet District Council do a brilliant job clearing up this mess but that has to be at a cost to all of us. I would agree that we appear to have a lack of bins in some areas so maybe some of these fast food companies should sponsor the supply of more bins.

If the litter droppers were caught and fined they may refrain from being so thoughtless. Maybe Thanet Council could offer for tender jobs catching offenders and imposing fines on a commission only basis. Or even clamping them with release fees charged. I am sure however these would be illegal under European Law somewhere.

This is an increasing problem and needs a tough policy to combat it. Poor Super Hero, Thanet Girl must be exhausted.