The Great British Rake Off

WASPS Help Bees

A group of volunteers formed a working party today (12 Dec 17). Following an Autumn cut, the Westbrook Undercliffe Town Green was raked. This was to ensure that nutrients were not returned to the soil in advance of planting wild flowers. This is part of a project, which started today, called "Buzz on the Coast".

The Bumble Bee Trust has secured funding to enhance this site and encourage various species of Bumble Bees some of which are struggling to survive.

More information can be found on this link  Buzz on the Coast.

Volunteering

If you are interested in activities, surveys, bee walks or other activities please enter your details on the Bumble Bee Conservation site. Alternatively get in touch with the Thanet Coast Project on 01843 577672.

Site to be enhanced

From now on work will continue to change the rank state of this site to allow wild flowers to be introduced and so encourage bumble bees to flourish.

Tree/shrub Planting

The unfortunate cutting of trees/shrubs as reported on a previous posting of this blog on 28th October, have been trimmed in the hope that some will survive and regenerate. However I understand that Thanet District Council have agreed to replace these trees, so hopefully they can be inter-planted between the existing beds to allow any survivors to grow.

More pictures of work in progress.

Well done volunteers great job.

WESTGATE AND WESTBROOK RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Minutes November 2017

MINUTES OF A GENERAL MEETING HELD AT THE BOWLS CLUB ON MONDAY 13^th NOVEMBER 2017 AT 7.15PM.

PRESENT

Mick Tomlinson (Chair)  twenty two members, and TDC Cllr Carol Partington, WTC Cllrs Joanna Cornford and Matthew Scott, and KCC Warden Laura Bungard.

The chairman welcomed all to the meeting. 

KCC WARDEN LAURA BUNGARD'S REPORT.

Laura reported working on highways issues, and in connection with this any complaints about the Virgin Media cable laying should be addressed to KCC Highways.  Other issues include DVLA, Cars in Rowena Road, Rubbish & Fly tipping.  Speedwatch training and associated risk assessment are being carried out.

The PCSO has moved on and a new one from Canterbury is to cover the area.

Scam warning, do not answer the door after dark, the TDC does not issue “posh” pedlars' licences, and fraudulent ones are being used.  

APOLOGIES

Apologies had been received from TDC Cllrs Ash Ashbee and Sam Bambridge.  

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

The minutes of the last meeting, (09/10/17), which had been circulated, following an amendment replacing paragraph 8 of the chairman's report, were agreed as a correct record on a prop. by Don Eacott sec. by Denise Packer, and adopted, and signed.

MATTERS ARISING

1)      St Mildred's Bay Green.  The chairman confirmed that this area is not on the asset disposal list.

2)      Yellow triangles on new cable junction boxes.  Chris Wyer had found that these were only temporary.    

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

TDC Cllr Carol Partington:

1)      Housing and Local Plan.  Westgate were opposed to the housing numbers proposed and were fighting to come to a solution.  After 18^th January 2018 the plan will go to public consultation and it is then the opportunity for residents to make their input.

2)      Manston Airport.  A majority of residents support the airport.  The DCO will be put in during November which could save the airport, the chairman noted that it is at present left out of the draft plan.  Tony Sykes reminded members that objections may be madee to the Stone Hill plan.

WTC Cllr Joanna Cornford:

1)      Communication.  Until a new town clerk was appointed, residents with items of concern should email one of the WTC councillors.

2)      St Mildred's Gardens.  A no entry sign has been placed here as it is unsuitable for motor vehicles. 

WTC Cllr Matthew Scott:

1)  Cllr Scott thanked all for their welcome, and will be available to be approached concerning items as needed.  Saturday will be a day when he hopes to set up a local surgery.

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT TDC Cllr Mick Tomlinson:

1)      Death of KCC Councillor.  For those not already aware Mick announced with regret the death of KCC Cllr Ken Gregory. 

2)      Hanging Baskets and Plants.  The grant of £1,500 did arrive though rather late, and had been  paid to the nursery.  However the total bill was for £1,900, and the balance was to come from the Westgate TC, but had not as yet been paid.

3)      Westbrook Undercliff Green.  The entire site had been cut down including all plants and trees which had been put in and nurtured for six years by volunteers.  There appears to have been a lack of communication between the council and contractors, and the council has now said they will replant the area.  Tony Sykes said some of the shrubs cut down might grow again.  There is also to be a bumble bee project in the area.  Mick said he would keep a close eye on the situation.

4)      Rough Sleepers.  There are forty six known to be in Thanet.  Some are in mobile homes in the Barnes Car Park, but also have residency in Thanet which makes it difficult for enforcement.  Member John Pye said volunteers for Thanet Winter Shelter will provide for a number of them.  TDC have contact details on their website under “signpost”.

5)      Westbrook Cliff Top Shelters.  Cllrs Ash and Mick hope to have these tidied up.

6)      Street Cleaning.  This had caused great problems.  Westgate did have additional cleaners.

7)      Westgate Forum.  This was not the steering group as some members had  thought, and appeared to be run by one person.

8)      Quiz at the Bake House.  Friday 24^th November 7.00pm,  £2.00. 

Questions/Comments:  James Brazier raised the question of boundary changes.  Mick informed the meeting that the TDC is now not seeking to alter ward boundaries before the next elections so any anomalies would not be rectified until 2023.

The Westgate war memorial has now been listed by Historic England.

CORRESPONDENCE

1)      Police Email Messages.  Mainly warnings to lock up cars and houses now the afternoons are becoming darker.

PLANNING 

1)      Tower House, 125, Canterbury Road.  Application for installation of external boiler flues to the existing building.

2)      6, Cedric Road.  Application for erection of single storey rear extension.

3)      The Swan, 75, Sea Road.  Application for erection of 1.7 metre boundary treatment to front and side elevations following demolition of existing wall together with insertion of UPVC windows and doors to front elevation.

4)      Land West of hundred's Farm House, Canterbury Road.  Application for outline permission for erection of three storey building containing 12 2-bed self contained flats with parking, access etc, following demolition of existing building.

5)      14, Westgate Bay Avenue.  Formation of vehicular access. GRANTED.

6)      Premier Inn Margate, Station Approach.  Replacement of existing timber and aluminium windows with aluminium windows. GRANTED.

7)      89, Canterbury Road.  Retrospective application for a change of use from A2 offices to A3 restaurant.

8)      Royal Sea Bathing Hospital.  Variation of planning permission to alter design of approved car park.

9)      10, Buenos Ayres.  Application for erection of balcony and replacement of existing window with doors to first floor rear.

10)  33, Norman Road.  Application for erection of two storey side extension.  GRANTED.

11)  64, Westgate Bay Avenue.  Erection of 1.8M high timber fence to front boundary.  WITHDRAWN.

12)  27, Elm Grove.  Change of use from 1 dwelling to 2 3-bed dwellings with dormers to front and rear, raising roof, and installations of first floor window to side with associated parking.  GRANTED.

13)  Gate Lodge, Hundred's Farm.  Erection of single storey side extension with dormer windows to front and rear.  GRANTED.

14)  16, Warren Drive.  Application for erection of conservatory to rear elevation.

15)  138A, Minster Road.  Application for formation of vehicular access together with erection of 2M high fencing following demolition of part of boundary wall.

16)  Flat 3, 1, Beach Rise.  Application for replacement of existing sash windows to doors with Juliet balconies to rear elevation.

TREASURER'S REPORT  

The bank balance reported near the end of October stood at £6,906. 

EDITOR'S REPORT

Ray reported that the new magazines are ready to go out.  Copy for the next issue will  be very welcome.

SUNSHINE REPORT

Mavis had sent two cards out this month.

 

MEMBERSHIP

Christina reminded members that booking and menu choice forms are available from the Bake House for the  New Year lunch at St Augustines on 14^th January 2018.

CIVIC REPORT

Westgate Heritage Centre:  Saturday 2^nd December at 10.30am at St Saviour's Church, “Celebrating the Seasons”, an illustrated talk by Sally Whitworth. 

Margate Civic Society: Thursday 14^th December at 7.30pm at The Walpole Bay Hotel, social evening films Christmas raffle, quiz, and refreshments. 

PRESS REPORT

None.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

1)      Road Sweeping.  Chris  Wyer  reported observations where small items of litter were collected but the leaves left behind.  Other members had seen  leaves collected up in bags, presumably for composting/recycling. 

2)      Remembrance Sunday.  Ray Taylor thanked all those who had worked very hard to make the day a success.

3)      Parking.  Chris Wyer informed the meeting of a proposal to allow residents to phone TDC where parking causes problems.

4)      Vice-Chairman.  Since this position still remains vacant, the chairman will discuss with the committee the possible co-option that may be made to fill the position.

5)      Remembrance Services.  James Brazier commented on the wording on the wreath that had been prepared for the W&WRA by the British Legion.  It was also noted that no wreath had been presented at the Margate ceremony by the W&WRA even though the Association also covered Westbrook.  This had apparently not been considered before.  It was further considered that the ceremony at Westgate took place at 12.00noon  (after the church services) and not at 11.00am as in most places.  These items would be considered for future years.

NEXT MEETING

 Monday 11^th December, at the Bake House.

There being no other business the meeting concluded at 8.45pm. 

Council Contractors Devastate Nature Park

 Sadness as Trees and Shrubs Destroyed

A recent cut to the Westbrook Undercliff has resulted in trees and shrubs being destroyed.

These trees and shrubs were planted in 2011 by volunteers lead by Kent Wildlife Trust and other organisations with support from the Mayor of Margate, who at that time was Mick Tomlinson. The land had just been registered as a Town Green. Of the 100 that were planted about 50% survived in this hostile environment. These included hawthorn, hazel, tamarisk, sea buck-thorn and others. It took 5 years to establish and growth had just started to accelerate and blossom had appeared this year. It is really sad to see these trees and shrubs destroyed by indiscriminate cutting.

Normally cuts are arranged by Thanet District Council in liaison with Thanet Coast Project and the WASPS group so areas of planting would be avoided. We do not know what has happened but no one was advised of the cut. We do not know whether it is out of ignorance or incompetence due to the high turnover of officers at TDC but all we do know is we have lost these trees and shrubs to the detriment of wildlife.

The Open Spaces Department are supposed to work with communities and with projects like "Buzz on the Coast" by the Bumble Bee Trust which due to start and we must ensure that lines of communication are solid.

Foreness Point

We have also heard that a similar incident has occurred at Foreness Point where habitats for migrating birds have been destroyed.

October 2017 Cut

History February 2011

Mayor Plants Sapling

Sea Buckthorn

Beds cleared for planting

WESTGATE AND WESTBROOK RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Minutes October 2017

MINUTES OF A GENERAL MEETING HELD AT THE BAKE HOUSE ON MONDAY 9^th OCTOBER 2017 AT 7.15PM.

PRESENT

Mick Tomlinson (Chair)  thirty five members, and TDC Cllr Ash Ashbee, and WTC Cllrs Joanna Cornford and Tom King.

The chairman welcomed all to the meeting. 

APOLOGIES

Apologies had been received from Bob Loxley, Sam Secomb, Christina and Ray Taylor and KCC Warden Laura Bungard.  

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

The minutes of the last meeting, (11/09/17), which had been circulated were agreed as a correct record on a prop. by Chris Wyer sec. by Pat Sawyer-Jones, and adopted, and signed.

MATTERS ARISING

1)      TV Interference.  Information is still awaited.

2)      Barnes Car Park.  The current notice still reads the same as before.

3)      Road Speed Limits.  Some 20mph maximum speed areas have been introduced outside schools and at other spots.

4)      Defibrillator.  This has been obtained by the Town Council, and the location   for it is to be announced shortly.  Tony Sykes pointed out that there is information on the TDC website regarding the location of defibrillators in Thanet.    

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

TDC Cllr Ash Ashbee:

1)      Manston.  The DCO will be submitted in November, when there will be twenty eight days for the government to take it forward.

2)      Draft Local Plan.  This goes to scrutiny next  month, and there will be four workshop meetings.  The final plan will go to full council in January 2018.

3)      Local Issues.  Councillors are aware of parking issues.  Advice from the consultant (formerly the asset manager) regarding Westbrook shelters is for local councillors to “adopt” them, for which there is a process.  It would now be an appropriate time for the KCC to reconsider installation of a zebra crossing in Westgate Bay Avenue.  Netting repairs are needed for part of the St Mildred's Bay tennis courts.   

It was noted that further accidents had taken place in Westbrook Avenue where speed was often a factor.  A question from the floor enquired if meters were to be introduced in Westbrook, this would be up to KCC.  There are twelve parking enforcement officers in Thanet.

WTC Cllr Tom King:

1)      Town Clerk.  Tom reported with regret the resignation of the  Town Clerk, and said that it may prove difficult to obtain a replacement.

2)      Local Items achieved and ongoing include entertainment on the green for bank holiday, litter equipment and insurance obtained for Westgate against litter group, funding of Westgate youth project, planting tubs and flowers, responsibility for the allotment gardens, contribution and support for Christmas lighting, restoration of shelter at West Bay, provision of defibrillator, responsibility and maintenance of Lymington Road recreation ground and changing facilities.

3)      Future work would include the neighbourhood plan, provision of a beacon, St Mildred's Bay children's playground if grants available, “Westgate in Bloom”, and the remembrance day parade.

4)      Civic Society.  A complaint had been made by Cllr King to the chair of the society that the newsletter had been used as a political platform, as the charities commission require a non political basis. 

Questions arising included some knot holes in the shelter wood, litter in roads and the dual carriageway.  The litter problem was being tackled by Westgate TC supplementing the cleaning of roads already covered by TDC.  The question of dog walkers on the St Mildred's green was raised should a playground be installed.  Cllr King pointed out that there were no children's recreation facilities north of the Canterbury Road.

KCC Warden Laura Bungard:

Laura had sent in a report which was read out.  Issues dealt with included highways, potholes, lines for repainting, blocked drains, untaxed vehicles, flytipping, elderly vulnerable residents, and parking.    Laura is available by phone or message on 07969583922.  This number is also available at the Bake House. 

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT TDC Cllr Mick Tomlinson:

1)      Scam Phone Calls.  A particular one to avoid engaging with shows the first three numerals 011.  Residents are advised not to answer as the call time proves extremely expensive.

2)      W&WRA MacMillan Coffee Morning.  This had raised £330, and all the helpers were warmly thanked.

3)      The Foreshore.  Residents are asked to report anything strange, particularly if people are coming ashore in the dark hours.  The police number is 101.

4)      Barnes Car Park.  Issues and comments from local residents re motor caravans have been noted, the signs are back up and the situation is being monitored. Officers (not councillors) have to deal with this.

5)      Bridge Road.  This is in a disgraceful state, KCC and Railtrack are supposed to be responsible for upkeep.  This is being followed up.

6)      Remembrance Day Parades.  New regulations make organising these events very difficult.

7)      Children's Play Area St Mildred's.  Previous applications for this have been refused.  The nearby road was thought dangerous for children.

8)      Margate Charter Trustees.  In dividing the finances/assets owned by the Charter Trustees between Margate and Westgate Thanet Finance Dept advice had been that £22,000 was to be paid to Westgate plus a further £30,000, and two trophies.  Following a complaint by a member of the public, an investigation by a clerk and others had been made at some length, and a meeting was held to come to an agreement as to the correct figures to be agreed between Margate and Westgate.  The Charter Trustees produced a “public interest report” (available on the website), which was given consideration and agreed and a letter sent to Westgate-on-Sea Town Council requesting return of the overpayment of £18,382. 

Questions/Comments:  Cllr King said that with the division of assets £50,000 had been offered, accepted and banked, and had understood that the Charter Trustees meeting had decided to draw a line under the matter.  Cllr King also alleged that the newsletter of the Civic Society had been political in nature.  Member James Brazier said the newsletter had only reported the facts.  Cllr Ashbee told the meeting that no solitor's or auditor's letter had been produced which lead to the decision change.  Cllr Tomlinson said this was as advised by TDC officers.

At this point Cllr King left the meeting.

CORRESPONDENCE

1)      Neighbourhood Engagement Meeting (NEM).  Next meeting to be held on 1^st November at 6.30pm at Garlinge Junior School.

2)      Police Email Messages.  Beware of bogus phone calls, at present the caller pretends to be from the government and must test the durability of double glazing for which a charge will be made.  Do not engage with caller or give personal details.  Also door sellers with smoke alarms and fire extinguishers of dubious quality, beware.

PLANNING 

1)      4, Tyson Avenue.  Erection of two storey pitched roof side and rear extension with balcony at first floor rear elevation. GRANTED.

2)      8, Royal Esplanade.  Variation of condition 2 attached to planning permission for erection of dormer window with french doors and installation of balcony to front elevation to allow for the design of the dormer window to be changed.  GRANTED.

3)      161, Westbrook Avenue.  Erection of single storey side and rear extension. GRANTED.

4)      33, Norman Road.  Erection of two storey side extension.  GRANTED.

5)      20, Wesdtcliff Gardens.  Erection of ground first and second floor rear extensions with balconies at first and second floor levels, additional side windows, and insertion of full length dormer window to to front. GRANTED

6)      21, Westcliff Gardens.  Erection of ground, first, and second floor rear extensions with balconies at first and second floor levels, additional windows, and insertion of full length dormer window.  GRANTED.

7)      10, Carlton Road West.  Erection of porch to front elevation.  GRANTED.

8)      160, Canterbury Road.  Alterations to roof to rear from hip to gable, erection of two dormer windows GRANTED.

9)      29, Domneva road.  Variation of condition 2 attached to planning permission for erection of single storey side and rear extensions and installation of balcony to first floor front elevation following demolition of existing garage to allow alteration to fenestration within the ground floor rear elevation. GRANTED.

10)  1, Sussex Mansions.  Retrospective application for the installation of wooden stairs and decking platform to rear extension.

11)  Jurrasic Jungle, 174, Canterbury Road, Margate.  Application for erection of attached two storey dwelling together with installation of replacement shop front.

12)  14, Domneva Road.  Application to replace existing timber sliding sash windows with white UPVC sliding sash windows and replace existing facia, sofit, gutter and downpipes to UPVC.

13)  Royal Seabathing Hosp. West Wing.  Application for variation of condition 36 of planning permission, change of use and conversion of hospital to residential units together with extensions and the erection of a five storey wing, to enable alterations to the design of the approved car park to serve the west wing to provide an 86 space ground level car park with pantechnicon turning  area.

14)  4 and 5 Beach Houses, Royal Crescent.  Application for change of use of No 4 from single dwelling house to 2 self contained flats including conversion of roof space of No 5 together with alterations to roof, installation of balcony to first floor front elevation of No 5 and to ground floor front elevation of Nos 4 and 5, and installation of external staircase to rear garden of No 4.

15)  Land North West of Former Seabathing Hosp.  Erection of ten 2 bed dwellings with associated parking, landscaping and access.  REFUSED.

16)  32, Bowes Avenue.  Erection of two storey rear extension, single storey side extension, porch to front elevation and first floor front extensions together with alterations to front bay window.  GRANTED.

17)  11, Westonville Avenue.  Erection of part single, part two storey rear extension and single storey side extension to existing garage.  GRANTED.

18)  Land Adjacent to 36, Westgate Bay Avenue.  Variation of condition 2 of planning permission for the erection of of three terraced dwellings to allow for the reposition and enlargement of two dormer windows to front elevation, and three dormer windows to the rear elevation, and alterations to internal layout to increase the number of bedrooms. GRANTED.

Mick reminded members that details may be seen on line using the “Thanet Planning” search box.

TREASURER'S REPORT  

Sam's report was read out by the minute secretary:

The bank balance at 30^th August stood at £6,723.  As at end of August nine of the twenty four advertisers in The Record had paid their invoices for the year,

A request for the buildings insurance premium to cover the period to 28^th September 2017 has been received and is for £230.54.

All bills are paid up to date.

EDITOR'S REPORT

No report. 

SUNSHINE REPORT

No report.

 

MEMBERSHIP

No report.

CIVIC REPORT

Westgate Heritage Centre:  Saturday 4^th November at 10.30am at St Saviour's Church, “Westgate Bay”, an illustrated talk by Dr Dawn Crouch. 

Margate Civic Society: Thursday 2^nd November at 7.30pm at The Walpole Bay Hotel, “The Vikings are Coming” a talk by Imogen Corrigan. 

PRESS REPORT

Pat Castle reported that she had sent details of W&WRA meetings and the MacMillan coffee morning to the local press.

W&WRA DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY 2018

Due to the length of this meeting and the time, it was agreed to hold over discussion  of details until the next general meeting.

SOCIAL

1)      Quizes.  Mick offered to run another quiz either one afternoon or evening in October/November.

2)      Sunday Lunches.  A good number of members enjoyed the lunch on Sunday.  The next one to be held is on 5^th November at The Swan, list for names will be in the Bake House.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

1)      New Cable Laying.  Members had noted that maintenance hatch covers over junction boxes were bright yellow and therefore not always in keeping with the local area.  Also some of the trenches were sinking and could become a trip hazard.  It is understood that in these instances further surface material will be added to keep the ground level.

2)      Alleyway by Margate Station.  Chris  Wyer  reported this to be very dirty. 

3)      Bottle Banks in St Mildred's Car Park.  Members reported that two of these have been removed.

NEXT MEETING

 Monday 13^th November, at the Bowls Club.

WESTGATE AND WESTBROOK RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION MEETING SEPT 2017

MINUTES OF A GENERAL MEETING HELD AT THE BOWLS CLUB ON MONDAY 11^th SEPTEMBER 2017 AT 7.15PM.

PRESENT

Seventeen members, and WTC Cllr Joanna Cornford.

Members were welcomed to the meeting especially on such a wet evening, and unanimously agreed to Ray Taylor taking the chair in the absence of Mick Tomlinson. 

APOLOGIES

Apologies had been received from Don and Maureen Eacott, Vivien Osborne, Tony and Sylvia Sykes, Mick Tomlinson, and KCC Warden Laura Bungard. .  

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

The minutes of the last meeting, (14/08/17), which had been circulated were agreed as a correct record on a prop. by Tony Snow sec. by Mavis Vaughan, and adopted, and signed.

MATTERS ARISING

1)      Barnes Car Park.  Tony Snow clarified the position regarding notices.  The original notice stated “no parking for camper vans” has now been changed to  “no parking or camping overnight”.  A local resident had been seen clearing up rubbish.     

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

WTC Cllr Joanna Cornford:

1)      Amendments to Street Markings.  Cllr Cornford drew the meeting's attention to various roads Dunstan Avenue, St Benet's Road, and other adjacent roads where there is to be a change of  single /double yellow lines.  Full details may be seen on the TDC website.

2)      Westgate Pavilion.  This is now declared an asset of community value.

3)      Recent Town Council Meeting.  There had been a good attendance at the recent meeting in the new venue, (Christ Church Hall).  The Town Clerk has resigned, and the post has been advertised.

4)      Westgate Flowers.  It was hoped to include hanging baskets next year provided volunteers can be found to water them.  If W&WRA members can do this the appropriate baskets will be labelled “maintained by the W&WRA”.  Chris Wyer thought that use of water retention gel would help. It might be possible to use hydrants if permission is agreed.  The hanging baskets had not been very good this year, this was due to funding confusion which caused late planting.   

KCC Warden Laura Bungard:

Laura had sent in a short report as she is on holiday.  There has been considerable involvement with the removal of untaxed vehicles.  Laura is available by phone or message on 07969583922.  This number is also available at the Bake House. 

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT TDC Cllr Mick Tomlinson: (read by Ray Taylor):

1)      Mick had expressed his apologies about missing the W&WRA monthly meeting but had been called to attend an emergency extraordinary meeting of the Margate Charter Trustees.  This was to discuss monies that had been paid from Margate to the then new Westgate-on-Sea Town Council, about which a complaint had been received.  The basis on which the sum was worked out was not very clear.  Mick will give full details  at the next meeting.

CORRESPONDENCE

1)      Westgate Community Centre Quiz.  Saturday 23^rd September 7.00pm £3.00 per person.  Bring your own food and drink.

2)      Bumblebee Conservation Trust.  Funding has been secured for  this project which will commence in the Autumn.  Any additional volunteers will be welcome to join the Westbrook Group.  Full details will be given presently.

3)      Police Email Messages.  A reminder that police will never request your bank details or send somebody round to transfer money or collect your cash book/pin no/or cheque book.  Any calls of this nature are scam.     

PLANNING 

1)      Tower House, 125, Canterbury Road.  Application for new external fire escape spiral staircase torear of building and erection of outbuilding.

2)      11, Westonville Avenue.  Application for part single, part two storey rear extension.

3)      Westcliff House, 37A, Sea Road.  Application for four storey front/side and rear extension with balconies, with alterations to fenestration to facilitate conversion into twenty seven 2-bed apartments, andfour 1-bed apartments with  parking and new pedestrian access.

4)      Land Adjacent to 36, Westgate Bay Avenue.  Application for variation of condition 2 of planning permission F/TH/15/1202 for erection of three terraced dwellings to allow for reposition and enlargement of two dormer windows to the front and three to the rear elevation.

5)      11, Cliff Avenue.  Change of use from residential annexe and rear garden to school (temporary).  GRANTED.

6)      97, Sea Road.  Two storey front side and rear extensions, and balconies to front and rear.  GRANTED.

7)      Land to rear of 15, Victoria Avenue.  Erection of two storey detached dwelling.  GRANTED.

8)      38, St Mildred's Road.  Installation of two condenser units to the rear.  GRANTED.

9)      10, Mutrix Gardens.  Erection of single storey rear extension.  GRANTED.

10)  Gate Lodge, Hundreds Farm Stables, Canterbury Road.  Application for two storey side extension.

11)  33, Minster Road.  Application for erection of single storey rear and side extension following demolition of existing.

12)  31, Rancorn Road.  Variations of conditions 2 and 4 of consent F/TH/16/1502, change of use from sheltered housing to five self contained flats with single storey rear extensions following demolition of rear conservatories. GRANTED.

13)  12, Westcliff Road.  Erection of first floor rear extension, and dormer to side elevation.  GRANTED.

14)  Vodafone, 44, Station Road.  Erection of 14.4 metre monopole with three antennas to replace existing monopole. GRANTED

TREASURER'S REPORT  

Sam's report was read out by Ray:

The bank balance stood at £7,378.  Bills for Young's Nursery and the magazine printing had been paid.  £1,289 had been deposited on 21^st August which consisted of subscriptions, sales of the chairs, and quiz and tea takings.

Some advertisers had queried receiving invoices when they believed that they had already paid.  Christina Taylor thought this could be due to the fact that the invoices for last year had been sent  out late, and this year's had just gone out, and she would be checking this with Sam.

EDITOR'S REPORT

Ray Taylor reported that articles for the next issue were coming in, any more would be welcome.

The facebook page was going well. 

SUNSHINE REPORT

Mavis reported that just one get well card had been sent this month, which was for our treasurer Sam who had been injured in a fall from a horse.

 

MEMBERSHIP

Christina reported that subscriptions had mostly been paid, and there were thirty eight new members this year so far.

Members expressed their thanks for the excellent tea party and music provided to thank the  road stewards and tea/coffee staff for their hard work.

CIVIC REPORT

Westgate Heritage Centre:  Saturday 7^th October at 10.30am at St Saviour's Church, “Roxburgh Road”, an illustrated talk by Dr Dawn Crouch. 

Margate Civic Society: Thursday 5^th October at 7.30pm at The Walpole Bay Hotel, AGM followed by a talk on “the Secret Gardens of Sandwich” by Steve Edney, (Head Gardener at The Salutation). 

PRESS REPORT

Pat Castle reported that she had sent notice of  meetings and a photograph to the Gazette.

W&WRA DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY 2018

It was agreed that a sub-committee should be formed from the membership.  The actual date of inauguration was nor known at present, but it would seem  sensible to hold the celebrations in the summer.  Possibly the Community Centre or the new centre at the Walmer Castle may be suitable venues.  Ray invited everyone to send in their ideas.

SOCIAL

1)      Party 2^nd October.

2)      A MacMillan coffee morning will be held at the Bake House on 29^th September.

3)      Sunday Lunches.  The next one to be held is on 8^th October at The Swan, list for names is in the Bake House.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

1)      Repaired Shelter.  Wood knots had come out of the side giving a tatty appearance.  Cllr Cornford said that the Financial and General Purpose committee would be dealing with this.

2)      Punch and Judy Show.  This had been much enjoyed by all.  Chris Wyer was concerned in case an ancient covenant had been contravened. 

3)      Dual Carriageway A28.  It was noted that gutters and drains near the central reservation were blocked.  This should be KCC responsibility, but if no action is taken the subject could be brought up with WTC who will press the matter with KCC.  Members' suggestions included parking bays where the kerb is wide, and speed restrictions of 20mph.

4)      Parking and Residents.  Due to the charges in TDC car parks, notably St Mildred's Bay car park, cars are parked in nearby roads, (Beach Road, Sussex Gardens etc) to the inconvenience of residents whilst the car park remains almost empty. (It was noted that the multi storey car parks in Ramsgate and Margate are free on Saturdays).

5)      Defibrillator.  A member asked where in Westgate this is kept.  Cllr Cornford agreed to find out.

6)      Westgate-on-Sea Town Council. The new office is now up and running.  The W&WRA had requested a donation towards the fund raising MacMillan's coffee morning.  It was noted that there was no mention of the W&WRA in the WTC website, this being due to a contact allegedly saying that it was not required, but it has not been possible to identify the contact concerned.

NEXT MEETING

 Monday 9^th October, at the Bake House.