Westagate and Westbrook Residents Minutes November 2016

WESTGATE AND WESTBROOK
RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

MINUTES OF A GENERAL MEETING HELD AT THE WESTBROOK BOWLS CLUB ON MONDAY 14th NOVEMBER 2016 AT 7.15PM.


PRESENT
Fifteen members, and Westbrook District Cllr and Westgate Town Cllr Ash Ashbee. 

In the absence of Mick Tomlinson, Don Eacott agreed to chair the meeting.

APOLOGIES
Apologies had been received from Mick Tomlinson and KCC Warden Laura Bungard.

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
The minutes of the last meeting, (10th October 2016), which had been circulated were  amended as shown below, agreed and adopted on a proposal by Pam O'Toole sec by Maureen Eacott.

MATTERS ARISING
1) The map supplied by James had shown the electoral ward boundary, which is the same as the Westgate-on-Sea Town Council boundary. (Correction to Matters arising (3) in last minutes). 

REPORTS: Councillors-KCC, TDC, WTC.  PCSOs and Wardens.
Cllr Ash Ashbee:
1) Westbrook Avenue/Rancorn Road Parking and Blind Spot.  Cllr Ashbee had called Mr Robin Chantrill-Smith requesting double yellow lines, as visibility is often obstructed and double decker buses use this route.
2) Speed Checking.  This had been carried out with KCC Warden Laura and other councillors on various roads, and was noticeably worse opposite Bridge Road.
3) Possible Crossing in Westbrook Avenue.  This would be delayed due to the fact that the inquest into the fatality has not as yet been completed.  Unfortunately the allowance that KCC Cllr Jeff Elenor was prepared to put towards this has to be used by January.
4) Local Officers.  KCC Warden Laura has been seconded to St Nicholas temporarily.  A new PCSO is being appointed to Westgate. 
5) Manston Airport.  This is being written out of the local plan by the TDC leader.  A considerable sum of money was paid to Avia for their report which was negative about the airport, however it may be noted that this company has an interest in Heathrow.  The over view and scrutiny committee will be meeting, and members of the public should be present if possible.  Pro airport campaigners hope that River Oak will be successful with their DCO.   There would then be a local plan consultation before going to full council for voting.
6) Westgate-on-sea Town Council.  A possible increase in the precept and structure of the  council had been discussed.  A new clerk will start in January. The most concerning issue is dirty streets.  The meetings are now video recorded and can be viewed.  The meetings in future will be live streamed to the Bake House so that those unable to reach the conference room by the stairs will be able to see the meetings.  Westgate Pavilion future is an ongoing item, the WTC could acquire this for a nominal amount but there would be large repair bills, and this would need under writing perhaps by a trust.
7) TDC has a 1.7M£ shortfall in the budget, and are considering savings from Ramsgate Harbour, reducing the number of toilets, and perhaps running a lottery.

Comments/Questions.  As a result of the ruling party failing to honour their election pledge re the airport Cllr Ashbee had left UKIP and  after some time as an independent has joined the conservatives who do support the airport.
Barnes Car Park Large Bin.  A member asked where this had gone.  Cllr Ashbee explained that this extra bin is only put out in the summer.  A request has been put in for more dog bins.
One of the shelters had lost some of its roof sheets but unfortunately the Charter Trustees are not allowed to use money for such purposes.

KCC Warden Laura Bungard:
Though not able to get to this meeting Laura indicated that she had had a busy and varied month.  Youths had been hanging around the station, and there were several homeless people in the shelters and by one of the churches.  Any problems resulting should be reported.

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
A message had been received from Mick that a supply of light weight stackable chairs were available free of charge to the W&WRA, and on a show of hands members were unanimously in favour of receiving these.
There were still no offers from members to take over the position of vice-chairman.

CORRESPONDENCE
1) Bumble Bee Conservation Trust.   Tony Sykes had received information that a grant has been applied for and should be available in October 2017 for increasing the numbers and training for the WASPS group at the Westbrook Undercliff.  The object is to prepare the area with suitable planting and reduction of some weeds for bumble bees to thrive.
2) Police email messages this month warned of scams sent by text supposedly from banks or BT requesting personal details.  

PLANNING  
1) West Bay Cafe.  Application for another storey.
2) 18, Gresham Avenue.  Application to build a cattery.  There had been some objections, and Cllr Ashbee said she would speak if asked to do so.  

TREASURER'S REPORT   
In the absence of Sam  Secomb there was no report.

EDITOR'S REPORT
Muriel reported there had been a slight delay but the magazine would be going to print shortly, proof reading had been completed.  

SUNSHINE REPORT
Mavis reported that two get well cards had been sent out to members this month.

MEMBERSHIP
Christina reported that as yet there had been no IT help with the computer records.

CIVIC REPORT
Westgate Heritage Centre:  Next meeting is Saturday 3rd   December at St Saviour's Church at 10.30am when there will be an illustrated talk about Kingsley Wood MP who worked with famous war time leaders and lived in Ava Lodge in Westgate Bay Avenue for a time.  The talk will be given by his biographer Hugh Gault and Jane Gallagher from the University of Kent.
Margate Civic Society: Next meeting Thursday 8th  December at the Walpole Bay Hotel at 7.30pm and will be a Christmas evening with wine and a quiz.

PRESS REPORT
None.  

SOCIAL 
1) Festive New Year Lunch.  This is arranged for Sunday 15th January, forms with menu choice are in the Bake House and are required back by 10th December.  Raffle prizes are requested.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS
1) Remembrance Sunday Service at the Memorial.  Pat Sawyer-Jones and Sam Secomb were warmly thanked for making arrangements and presenting the wreath on behalf of the W&WRA.
2) Bake House Signage.  This was much needed as many people were unaware of the Bake House and the events held there.  A small hanging sign or flag would help draw attention to it.




NEXT MEETING
 Monday 12th December, at the Westgate USC, 7.00pm for 7.15pm. 


There being no other business the meeting concluded at 8.24pm.

WESTGATE AND WESTBROOK RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Minutes Oct 2016

 

 

 

MINUTES OF A GENERAL MEETING HELD AT THE UNITED SERVICES CLUB ON MONDAY 10^th OCTOBER 2016 AT 7.15PM.

 

 

PRESENT

Eighteen members, Westgate Town Cllrs Tom King and Ron Rolfe, and KCC Community Warden Laura Bungard.

 

In the absence of Mick Tomlinson, Don Eacott agreed to chair the meeting.

 

APOLOGIES

Apologies had been received from Muriel Atkins, Tony and Sylvia Sykes, Christina Taylor, and TDC Cllrs Carol Partington and Mick Tomlinson who would be delayed.

 

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

The minutes of the last meeting, (12^th September 2016), which had been circulated were agreed and adopted.

 

MATTERS ARISING

1)      Westbrook Road Yellow Lines.  Chris Wyer is to phone KCC Highways to check the validity of these.

2)      Zebra Crossing.  One member had noticed no parking cones on the pavement. Cllr Tom King said that parking inside the zig zag lines had been considered safe in the report by Robin Chantrill-Smith, and recommended that the W&WRA request a copy, as the view is impeded by parked vehicles.  Chris  Wyer pointed out that parked vans made it much more difficult to see approaching traffic. 

3)      Electoral Boundary.  The map obtained from TDC by James showed the electoral boundary, which varies slightly from the Town boundary.

 

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

KCC Warden Laura Bungard:

1)      Speed Checks.  These had been carried out in Westgate Bay Avenue and Westbrook Avenue, and some speeding was observed.

2)      Zebra Crossing.  This is causing some concern.

3)      Jewellery Robbery.  This had taken place in Westbury Road when a door had been broken open.

4)      The Elderly.  Some had no central heating or other facilities, help is available in such situations.

5)      Elm Grove Parking Problems.  These occur by the school and the drivers' side of conversations is becoming aggressive and rude.

6)      Multi-Agency Case.  This is proceeding and all agencies involved meet once a week.

7)      New PCSO.  Duties will commence in three weeks.

8)      “Talk Time” in the Library.  This takes place on Monday mornings and more people are welcome.

 

Comments/Questions.  Cllr Tom King suggested enforcement could be used to reduce the school parking problem.

A member asked if vehicles could be checked for valid car tax.  Answer yes Laura can check this.

 

Cllr Tom King WTC:

1)      Westgate Pavilion.  This is on the TDC asset disposal list.  The WTC is concerned.  It has been leased for the last six years and is fully booked up, the lease is due to expire shortly. In this type of situation if the asset can be proved to have community value a period of six months is given for suitable purchasers to buy it.    The second option is for it to be subject to a community asset transfer, and the WTC resolved to make an approach to TDC to express interest in this, which must be done within the time limit. 

2)      Cleansing Operative.  In July the WTC accepted the offer of equipment carts vacuums etc and now needs to employ an operative.

3)      Pancake Race.  The WTC would be pleased to take on the arrangements for the pancake race if the W&WRA were agreeable.  The minute secretary confirmed that this had been agreed and minuted at the February committee meeting, and March general meeting. 

4)      Retirement of Town Clerk.  The lady holding this office was now financially in a position to retire, so that a new town clerk will be appointed to take up these duties.

 

Questions:  In answer to a question about the proposed cleansing operative Cllr King explained that the WTC will be enhancing the service provided by TDC, and that there is a memorandum of understanding that the present TDC services will not be lost.

Regarding Regalia there did not appear to be any left from the old Westgate Parish Council.

 

Cllr Carol Partington TDC:

1)      Westgate Pavilion.  Although unable to attend this meeting Cllr Partington sent information that she had spoken to WTC and the tenant, and hoped that the Pavilion will be kept for the community by either option referred to in Cllr King's report, and is willing to help facilitate this between the TDC and WTC. 

 

 

CORRESPONDENCE (by Police Email)

1)      Scam Phone Calls.  These are being received in the South East supposedly from the post code lottery requesting personal details.  The post code lottery does not cold call in this way, do not give any details.

2)      Courier Fraud.   A phone call supposedly from the resident's own bank states that the credit card has been compromised and has the new one been received in the post?  Of course the answer is no, so that the caller says the new one will be sent by courier and the old one is to be handed over to the courier.  Money is then withdrawn from the victim's account.  If any doubts contact your own bank making sure that the dialling tone is evident.

PLANNING 

1)      25, Westbury Road.  Application for permission for a dance studio.  There are a few objections. 

 

No new planning sheets obtained  from TDC this month.

 

TREASURER'S REPORT  

In the absence of Sam  Secomb there was no report.

 

EDITOR'S REPORT

The next magazine will be out soon.  The contents and advertising have been co-ordinated by Muriel, and it will be printed by Carol Peters as agreed at the September general meeting. 

 

SUNSHINE REPORT

Mavis reported that two get well cards had been sent out to members this month.

 

MEMBERSHIP

No Report.

 

CIVIC REPORT

Westgate Heritage Centre:  Next meeting is Saturday 5^th November at St Saviour's Church at 10.30am when there will be an illustrated talk about SirWilliam Orchardson RA 1833 – 1910, who lived for a time in Sea Road.

Margate Civic Society: Next meeting Thursday 3^rd November at the Walpole Bay Hotel at 7.30pm a talk “Quex Gardens” by Sue Harris, Head Gardener.

 

PRESS REPORT

None. 

 

SOCIAL

1)      Trips out and the annual festive lunch are being arranged.

2)      Sunday Carvery Lunches at The Swan.  Twenty one members enjoyed lunch out together on Sunday.  Muriel was thanked for co-ordinating the arrangements.  Watch the notice board for future dates.

 

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

1)      Litter Bin Outside Piggy Bank Nursery.  Members had heard that this was a very expensive bin.  Cllr Tom King explained that it is on loan and does compact rubbish placed in it so that collections do not have to be so frequent.

2)      Road Sweeping Vehicle.  Members had noticed that this could only clear about one third of the road due to parked cars.

3)      Chris Wyer observed that Westgate Pavilion still does not have a disabled friendly entrance.

4)      Walmer Castle, Canterbury Road.  Permission has been granted for three flats, and from the new year the downstairs will be a members only club.

5)      The meeting expressed a wish of good health to chairman Mick Tomlinson.

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEXT MEETING

 Monday 14^th November, at the Westbrook Bowls Club, 7.00pm for 7.15pm.

 

 

There being no other business the meeting concluded at 8.21pm.

 

WESTGATE AND WESTBROOK Residents Association Minutes Sept 2016

 

 

MINUTES OF A GENERAL MEETING HELD AT THE WESTBROOK BOWLS CLUB ON MONDAY 12^th SEPTEMBER 2016 AT 7.15PM.

 

PRESENT

Mick Tomlinson (chair), twenty seven members, Thanet District Cllrs Ash Ashby, Sam Bambridge, Carol Partington, and Mick Tomlinson, Westgate Town Cllr Ash Ashby, and Robin Chantrill-Smith (I/C parking for TDC) who was introduced by the chairman.

 The chairman welcomed all to the meeting.

 

APOLOGIES

Apologies had been received from Pat Sawyer-Jones.

 

GUEST SPEAKER

Mr Robin Chantrill-Smith informed the meeting that he was in charge of on and off street parking for TDC.  There were twelve enforcement officers for the whole of Thanet which was a somewhat limited resource.  Questions were then invited from the floor.

1)      St Mildred's Bay Car Park.  A ticket machine had now been installed, this is solar powered as the previous electricity supply had failed.  Members questioned if this was worth charging as motorists can and do park in adjacent roads.  Answer: It does just about break even.  Local members would prefer no charges so that it is used and parking would not congest local residential roads.  One member asked if it was a legal charge as the land had been made over to the community by deed of covenant in 1926.

2)      Double Parking had been noticed in the main Westgate roads.

3)      Westbrook Tescos.  James Brazier brought to members' attention parking problems here, and also on corners in Westgate Bay Avenue.  Answer This is a country wide problem and lack of enforcement officers is a difficulty.  Cllr Carol Partington said there had been an agreement that smaller delivery lorries should be used, although it appeared that this was not always the case.  The chairman said there had often been problems with bollards and railings had been asked for but this would be the responsibility of KCC Highways.

4)      Westbrook Road.  An unauthorised yellow line had been put down and subsequently blacked out.

5)      Zebra Crossing, Westgate.  Cars parking by the zig zag lines had been checked and considered sufficiently safe.

6)      Problems caused by parking at bus stops, and parked camper vans were also discussed.  The police or environmental dept may be contacted in cases of overnight camping.  Chris Wyer pointed out that if the jacks are put down it becomes illegal.

Mr Chantrill-Smith was thanked for his time and assistance.

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

The minutes of the last meeting, (8^th August 2016), which had been circulated were agreed and adopted.

 MATTERS ARISING

1)      Westgate Town Council Boundary.  Following the debate at the last meeting James Brazier had obtained a copy of a map from TDC showing the boundary as it is now.  The blue shed at St Mildred's Bay has been  made over to WTC, but there was some question about land that may go with it.

2)      Westbrook Road  HMO.  This is now empty, there is still a fly tipping problem in the road.

3)      Old Nurses Home at the Sea Bathing Hospital Site.  Following conversion to flats the scaffolding is being removed and the appearance is good.

 

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

Cllr Carol Partington TDC:

1)      Camper Vans in Barnes Park.  The complaint has been resolved with the help of an enforcement officer. 

2)      Green by Community Centre.  For access TDC used to use Wellington Road, but now has changed to the corner by Lymington Road where suitable posts have been placed.

3)      Tennis Courts.  Youngsters have been observed playing football on these.  Appropriate signs are to be put up.  Opinion was being sought as to the possibility of using some of the courts as a multi sports court.

4)      The Knot.  The planning application is ongoing.

5)      Beach Clean reminder.  The national beachwatch beach cleans take place this weekend, the local one in St Mildred's Bay is on Saturday 17^th September at 9.30 am. 

 

Cllr Ash Ashbee TDC & WTC:

1)      KCC Warden Laura Bungard had sent in her report to Cllr Ashbee.  This detailed a busy month with vehicles without  tax, highways issues, 101 calls, illegal camping and drugs.

2)      Westbrook Avenue Speeding.  Permanent speeding signs had been requested but the cost for one would be £6,000.  KCC Cllr Jeff Elenor had earmarked his discretional funding for a second zebra crossing. One member suggested a 20mph limit would reduce casualties considerably, but there would be much legislation to be dealt with beforehand.

 

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

1)      Nurses' Home, Old Sea Bathing Hospital.  Work is nearly complete and it is looking good.

2)      Nayland Rock Hotel.  This has been sold and is to be converted to a five star hotel.

3)      Victorian Shelter by the Nayland Rock.  In spite of being cleaned regularly it does at times get into a poor state.

4)      The “Record” Magazine.   The next issue is being prepared and Carol Peters are going to print it.  Muriel Atkins was warmly thanked for co-ordinating the new arrangements.

 

 CORRESPONDENCE

1)      Police Information by email.  Phone calls have been received pretending to be from HMRC and Amazon requesting personal details, these have been confirmed as fraudulent.  Never give your details when cold calls request them.     Care when leaving parked cars, do not leave items with your home address or even home GPS as if the car is stolen it may be driven to your home whilst you are unaware.  Mobile phones if stolen in a bag with credit cards.  It has been known for the thieves to call “home” to request pin numbers and if given to draw money from the victim's account.

2)      Letter from Derek Smith.  A letter had been received by the secretary, Pat Sawyer-Jones concerning the recent death of member and tea lady Joyce Smith expressing disappointment that no committee member had attended the funeral  on 30^th August in spite of an open invitation.  It appeared that not all the committee were aware of the invitation and date.  Some members were aware of the small size of the Bake House and would not have wished to occupy space needed for family and friends at the reception. The chairman expressed regret that the W&WRA had not been officially represented, and a reply would be sent concerning this oversight. Pat Sawyer-Jones had provided a floral tribute.

 

PLANNING 

1)      40, Royal Esplanade.  Application to erect single storey rear extension together with loft conversion.  Permission granted.

2)      8, Westcliff Gardens.  Application to erect single storey rear extension.

3)      10, Buenos Ayres.  Application to change of use from one flat and hostel to two self contained flats with single storey rear extension.

4)      14, Domneva Road.  Application to change windows on first and second floor levels to UPVC vertical sliding with external Georgian bars.

5)      85, Linksfield Road.  Application for erection of single storey side and rear extension.  Permission granted.

6)      Margate Beach.  Application for new life boat house.  There is some support and some objection.  A TDC meeting is to be held on Wednesday week.  For details see TDC planning services.

 

TREASURER'S REPORT  

In the absence of Sam  Secomb there was no report.

 

EDITOR'S REPORT

At present the W&WRA has no editor.  The next issue is being prepared, see Chairman's Report item (4) on page 2.

 

SUNSHINE REPORT

None.

 

MEMBERSHIP

Christina reported members still joining weekly.  As soon as the new magazine was ready the road stewards would be requested to deliver copies to members.

 

 CIVIC REPORT

Westgate Heritage Centre:  Next meeting is Saturday 8^th October at St Saviour's Church at 10.30am when there will be a chance to see the film taken of the ceremony when Dr Dawn Crouch was appointed the first Honorary Freeman of the town of Westgate-on-Sea.

Margate Civic Society: Next meeting Thursday 6^th October at the Walpole Bay Hotel at 7.30pm a talk “Civic Voice” by John Walker, Deputy Chairman, Civic Voice/President, Kent Federation of Amenity Societies/Chairman, Ramsgate Society.

 

Mick Tomlinson informed the meeting that the Civic service for the Mayor would take place on Sunday 9^th October.

 

PRESS REPORT

None. 

 

SOCIAL

1)      Trips out and the annual festive lunch are being arranged.

2)      Sunday Carvery Lunches at The Swan.  Next date is Sunday 9^th October.

 

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

1)      Westgate Community Centre Quiz.  To be held on Saturday 29^th October at 7.00pm.  Entry £5.

2)      Small encampment in public shelter near Barnes car park.  This has been called in by Cllr Ash Ashbee.

3)      Chris Wyer, various observations.  a)The mechanical road sweepers cannot do their job as so many parked cars are in the way.  b)The litter bin outside the Piggy Bank Nursery is reported to have cost £3,000.  c)Bridge Road.  New trees have not been watered and have died, and the weeds were not completely killed during the first treatment and have had to be sprayed again.

4)      Next Litter Pick is on 24^th September at 10.00am.

5)      Railway Footbridge.  This had not been painted very well, and one light on the Station Road side and two lights on the South side are not working.

6)      Seaweed in St Mildred's Bay.  A very large quantity has been removed by TDC.

7)      Bonfires.  In answer to an enquiry, bonfires are legal but subject to the law of nuisance.

8)      Animal Excrement.  Though there is a legal obligation for owners to pick up dog poo, there is no such obligation for horse owners.  

 

 

NEXT MEETING

 Monday 10^th October, at the United Services Club, 7.00pm for 7.15pm.

 

 

There being no other business the meeting concluded at 9.00pm.

 

WESTGATE AND WESTBROOK RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION MEETING 8TH August 2016

 

 

 

MINUTES OF A GENERAL MEETING HELD AT THE UNITED SERVICES CLUB ON MONDAY 8^th AUGUST 2016 AT 7.15PM.

 

 

PRESENT

Mick Tomlinson (chair), twenty members, Thanet District Cllr Mick Tomlinson, Westgate Town Cllrs Tom King, and Dave Morrish.

 

The chairman welcomed all to the meeting.

 

APOLOGIES

Apologies had been received from Diane Coe, Sam Secombe, Stephanie Sutton, Tony and Sylvia Sykes, Christina Taylor, and KCC Warden  Laura Bungard.

 

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

The minutes of the last meeting, (11^th July 2016), which had been circulated were adopted on a prop. by Don Eacott seconded by Jane Smith.

 

MATTERS ARISING

1)      Westbrook Road HMO.  Chris Wyer reported that in spite of TDC efforts to resolve the situation most of the residents were still there, and the owner was going to the ombudsman concerning the  TDC action.  The whole property is now up for auction which will delay proceedings.

2)      Westbrook Road Waste and Flytipping.  Chris Wyer had removed some of this and the council had also removed a quantity.

 

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

Cllr Tom King WTC:

1)      Refuse and Recycling.  There is a lack of refuse bins available to residents living above the shops, some have had to keep rubbish indoors which is most unsatisfactory, and members of the WTC are meeting with Mr Geoff Dunn and others from the TDC to try to resolve the problem, possibly by allocating an outside area where bins may be kept.

2)      Station Road.  Flytipping has  been experienced by traders.  Also graffiti has appeared on the toilets and mobile phone mast boxes and Johnsons empty shop needs tidying up.

3)      Street Cleaning Machines.  These will be stored in the old games hut by St Mildred's car park, the rubbish at present inside will be removed by TDC.  A cleaning schedule will then be set up.

4)      Parking Problems in St Mildred's Road.  Parking and double parking have been noted.

5)      Westgate Bay Promenade.  The “no cycling” area is not always observed, and the bay warden has received some verbal abuse.

6)      Allotments.  No increase in charges have been made, and there is a healthy waiting list of applications.   

 

KCC Warden Laura Bungard:

Duties this month have included updating first aid course and training on IT scams/danger to residents.  General and financial advice to elderly/vulnerable residents.  Highways potholes/street lamps.

Refuse issues, cars and vans used for camping on roads, cycles turn up as lost property.

Residents are encouraged to be observant and to give Laura details of events witnessed, but not to confront anyone regarding ASB.

Suspect vehicles, misuse of drugs, work continues with PCSO Adrian Butterworth.

 

TDC Westbrook Cllr Mick Tomlinson:

1)      Sea Front Roundabout Westbrook.  This  has at last been tidied up, and is the first place visitors see when coming into Margate.

2)      Barnes Car Park.  A new sign is  needed for this which should  also indicate it is suitable for coaches, which hopefully will reduce road parking.

3)      Canterbury Road.  Many properties are receiving maintenance which is good for the area.

 

MEMBERS QUESTIONS FOR ABOVE

1)      St Mildred's Bay Paddling Pool.  Members had observed that this does not retain water when the tide goes out, and asked if this could be rectified.

2)      Barnes Car Park.  This was in the past used for both cars and coaches, and new notices to this effect were needed.

3)      The roundabout going into Margate and joined by All Saints Avenue is not a proper one and requires looking at.

4)      Parking in Westgate.  Bob Loxley had handed in a written proposal requesting a discussion as there seemed to be so little control, and this could end up being detrimental to businesses and residents.  The chairman offered to get in touch with council officers.

5)      Street Cleaning Equipment.  A member asked if this is insured.  Answer Yes.

6)      Graffiti, poor condition of beach facilities, and weeds were giving a  bad impression of the area.

7)      St Mildred's Court.  A resident had frequently found the residents' parking area full which is probably caused by the St Mildred's beach car park being chargeable.  Developments at “The Knott” may make this worse.

8)      Signs by the Golf Club.  Only the Westgate sign now remains, and a new location is required for the Margate and Cinque Ports signs.  Cllr Tom King suggested they could be resited at Garlinge near the Hussar.

 

 

CORRESPONDENCE

1)      Police Information by email.  Phone calls have been received pretending to be from the Telephone Preference Service stating that unwanted call protection is about to end.  This comes from a number showing as 08000326281, and may ask for direct debit details.  This is a fraud do not give any information.

2)       Stolen Cycles.  One was stolen from a porch in Adrian Square overnight three or four days ago.  Ensure cycles are secure.

 

PLANNING 

1)      45 – 51 Sea Road.  Permission has been granted for change of use and extension of 51 to seven flats, and erection of two 3 to 4 storey buildings with fifteen flats, and erection of seven three storey houses fronting St Clements Road following demolition of 47 and 49 Sea Road.

2)      139, Sea Road.  Application for erection of single storey rear extension and two storey side extension following demolition of existing structure. Permission Refused.

3)      125, Canterbury Road.  (St Augustines/Tower House).  Application for listed building consent for change of use from residential C2 to C3 for thirteen flats.  Permission Granted.

4)      Cliff Edge (40?) Royal Esplanade.  Concern was expressed from the floor that the application for a two storey side extension may cause a change of character of the property.

5)      Walmer Castle.  Application for change of use to Greek bar and snack bar and flats above has been called in.  The chairman agreed to find out the details of this application.

6)      New Shops, Station Road.  It was confirmed that an application for change of use for one unit from retail to educational has been made.

 

 

TREASURER'S REPORT  

There was no general report, but the chairman confirmed that the nursery bill has been paid.

 

EDITOR'S REPORT

At present the W&WRA has no editor.  A volunteer is urgently required.  Suggestions from the floor, were to have a temporary newsletter, to pay for an editor, or encourage a new editor by offering an incentive.  Muriel Atkins has been making enquiries as to a possible new editor.

 

SUNSHINE REPORT

Mavis reported sending one card this month.

 

MEMBERSHIP

No Report.

 

CIVIC REPORT

Westgate Heritage Centre:  Next meeting is Saturday 3^rd September at St Saviour's Church at 10.30am when there will be a talk by Dr Dawn Crouch “The Story of Christ Church's Clock”.

There is also an exhibition of information on the battle of the Somme and the effect of this on Westgate and local people. It will be open for two weeks in St Saviour's Church            .

 

PRESS REPORT

None.

SOCIAL

1)      Carol Peters Dinner/Dance. Tuesday 30^th August at Bay Point, tickets £28.

2)      Sunday Carvery Lunches at The Swan.  These are enjoyed by all attending and will continue.

 

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

1)      George V Green.  Pumping operations had been observed and members were curious.  It was thought that this could be test boring for a storage area for storm overflows, but it was hoped to find out if this is correct. 

 

 

NEXT MEETING

 Monday 12^th September, at the Westbrook Bowls Club, 7.00pm for 7.15pm.

 

 

There being no other business the meeting concluded at 8.38p