Last Chance to Visit the Changing Coast Exhibition back by Popular Demand

 You will be amazed by this free exhibition exploring and comparing historic images and postcards and current images from our ever-changing coastline.  This exhibition also highlights recent tidal and weather extremes and links up with the Coastal Communities and Climate Change project, and is run with support from the CC2150.

Historical pictures fade into up to date photos showing the same view. Many of us have forgotten how things have changed. Cliff arches to chalk stacks. Chalk stacks and meandering cliffs of Birchington to smoothed lines of sea defences and much more.

Remember the storm of 1953 and when the sea froze over in the sixties.  These are compared with recent extreme weather and tidal surges.

The exhibition closed on Friday for the Dreamland exhibition but returns on Tuesday 2nd September until 7th September. It is held in the Drum Room, Droit House, Margate harbour   CT9 1JD. Doors open 10 am to 5 pm. Just go into the tourist information office and walk through to the back. The rolling exhibition lasts about 45 minutes.

Westgate and Westbrook Residents' Minutes of Meeting on 11th August 2014

WESTGATE AND WESTBROOK

RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

 

MINUTES OF A GENERAL MEETING HELD AT THE WESTBROOK BOWLS CLUB ON MONDAY 11^th  AUGUST 2014 AT 7.15PM.

 

 

PRESENT

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

The chairman welcomed all attending.

APOLOGIES

Apologies had been received from Abigail Carden, Rosalind Morton, and John and Mavis Vaughan.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

1)      Refuse and Recycling Problems.  Tom informed the meeting that he had spoken with Cllr Mike Harrison (services) about residents who had not had their refuse/recycling removed.  The contractor to TDC pays £120 per load but if there are incorrect contents (contamination) this is not paid, and TDC  have had to be strict in this respect resulting in a few bins being left.

2)      West Bay Showers.  This bay does not have a shower, only an old tin sink, which can hardly be considered blue flag standard, and Tom is pressing for the installation of a shower.

3)      Marc Lawrence Memorial.  The new stone was dedicated at a memorial service on Sunday conducted by Rev Barbara Way.  MP Sir Roger Gale, KCC Cllr Jeff Elenor, Cllr Tom King and many local residents attended.

4)      No 35 Bus.  This route has been taken over by Regent Coaches, and the modern buses have been well received.

5)      Seaside Children's Play Areas.  Tom had spoken to Morgan Harris about these as there were so few around the Westgate Bays.  A walk around took place to identify a site for play equipment.  £7,000 would be required to start, but only £3,500 was available.  A children's galleon type play boat would be the first item and more added when possible.  A possible site is the green between West Bay and St Mildred's Road, there may be some planning gain funding available from local developments.

6)      Governance Review.  A letter has been received from Justine Wingate re the launch of the public consultation.  There could be a division of the unparished area into two, Margate Town Council and Westgate Parish Council.  There are to be meetings to give more information and to take questions.  On 27^th August at 7.00pm at Westgate Pavilion, and on 28^th August at TDC Offices.  There is more information on line at www.thanet,gov.uk/speakup. A few paper copies are available tel 577050.  Further publicity will be out this week, and press adverts locally.

Comments and questions were then invited which resulted in discussions as to the various suggestions of governance methods and precepts payable for Town Councils and Parish Councils.  Tom had checked a list of some of the responsibilities that can be taken over by Parish Councils which included sports grounds, crematoriums, clocks, common land, community centres, drainage, war memorials, toilets etc.  Tom said it is very important that the information and meeting details are made known to local residents.  Some thought that it would create another tier of local government administration with associated costs, others did not want to lose TDC services who could maintain larger items such as the FIDO, and road cleaning machines.

 

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING

The minutes of the last meeting, (14^th July 2014), which had been circulated, were adopted on a prop by Stephanie Sutton sec by Mercia Beach, and signed.

 

MATTERS ARISING

1)      Litter Bin.  Victoria Avenue now required one of these.

2)      Westbrook Bay 1920 Style Beach Huts. On enquiry Tom had been informed that some of these will be retained and repaired, but others were beyond repair.

3)      Double Yellow Lines.  These were only partially effective due to lack of enforcement.

COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

KCC Cllr Jeff Elenor: 

1)      Jeff had had a meeting with highways dept at KCC and raised items as requested: tree watering of new trees – contractors would be made aware/ overhanging trees near the library in Canterbury Road to be attended to/ weeds in Bridge Road and gully sucking to be chased up.

2)      Westgate Bay Avenue Crossing.  KCC Highways at Maidstone had taken this on board, but it would be likely to take up a substantial part or even whole of the member's grant.

3)      Trees in Westbrook Avenue and Canterbury Road.  Some had been removed, but there was not the money available to replace them at present.

4)      Plastic Kerbstones had been observed, these can crack under heavy weight and then have jagged edges, causing concern.

CORRESPONDENCE

1)      There is a coach  trip to Greenwich on 5^th September Price £13, leaving at 8.00am and returning at 5.30pm.  Optional visits available are: Tall Ships, Maritime museum, and the Royal Observatory.

PLANNING

1)      64, Westgate Bay Avenue.  Application for permission to erect a 1.8 metre high timber fence at the boundary.

2)      17/114 St Mildred's Road.  Application for permission to erect a balcony to the roof.

Chris Wyer enquired if the application for six houses on the Westgate Bay Avenue site had been turned down as the site had  now been cleared, and more of the old wall pulled down.  Tom said he would check on the site.

TREASURER'S REPORT

Sam Secomb reported the bank account total to be £9,165.

Since 1^st April the income has been £5,662, and the expenditure £5,575.

Payments will be due when the Bake House refurbishment is carried out according to Barbara Whitlock's bequest.

EDITOR’S REPORT

Derek apologised for the  late appearance of the magazine which has been delayed due to a number of problems at the printers.

MEMBERSHIP

More road stewards are urgently required.

CIVIC REPORT

Westgate Heritage Centre.  Next main meeting to be held on Saturday 6^th September with a talk on the role of the civilian services at the start of the first world war.

PRESS REPORT

Richard reported sending in the W&WRA news and is given quite good coverage.

SOCIAL

1)      East Northdown Park Nursery.  Outing and tea 21^st August.

2)      Quiz.  The next quiz will be on Friday 29^th August at the Bake House, participants to bring their own food.

3)      Elham Valley Trip.  This on 27^th August.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

1)      Weeds in Roads.  Many roads do not appear to have had treatment for weeds, the new method of treatment from a lorry (photograph produced by a member) may not be effective, or may not have been used on many roads.

2)      TV Reception.  This is still poor in the locality, Stephanie is waiting to hear from MP Sir Roger Gale following the investigation.

NEXT MEETING

 Monday 8^th September in the conference room at the Town Hall Buildings..

 

There being no other business the meeting concluded at 8.52pm.

July 2014 Westgate and Westbrook Residents' Meeting Minutes

WESTGATE AND WESTBROOK

RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

 

MINUTES OF A GENERAL MEETING HELD AT THE TOWN HALL BUILDING ON MONDAY 14^TH  JULY 2014 AT 7.15PM.

 

 

PRESENT

Tom King, chairman and councillor, twenty six members, KCC Cllr Jeff Elenor, and guest speakers from Minster Parish Council, Cllr Bob Grove and Parish Clerk Kyla Lamb.

 

The chairman welcomed all attending.

 

APOLOGIES

Apologies had been received from Don and Maureen Eacott and Chris and Derek Smith.

 

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Tom introduced the speakers who gave the meeting an outline of the workings of their Parish council.  Cllr Bob Grove is the chairman and described Minster PC as a body of hard working people who gave their services free of charge.  Some PCs work as a whole council and some (including Minster) have committees for various functions such as street cleaning, toilets, finance, planning, flood, and highways.  Decisions from these committees have to be ratified by a full Parish Council meeting. Each committee group consists  of members interested in the particular subject.  The Clerk is the line manager.

There are various assets of the PC such as ownership of the toilets for which an agency payment is received from the TDC, the cemetery, and the recreation ground from which there is an income from sports clubs' payments.

Eight staff (some part time) are employed for maintenance cleaning and dog bins.

 

Questions were then invited.

Funding.   The source of funding comes from the precept which is levied with the rates bill, this is shown on the TDC website, also agency cash which is reducing and a small amount from KCC Highways.

Council Meeting Frequency.  Once a month.

Population of Minster.   3569.

Precept.  The total is approximately £50,000, this could result in around £40 in a band D tax bill.  There is a council tax support grant which is £8,000 at present but may not continue.

Planning Committee Powers.  The PC Planning Committee deals with small applications and its views are noted by TDC with applications called in if necessary.

Terms of Service.  Councillors are elected for four years, in the case of vacancies arising in between may be co-opted after interviewing candidates which  saves the considerable costs of elections.

Fors and Againsts.  There is more control of your own area, and policies are not sent from an office block, the Parish Councillors look after their own community.

Tom said today's question is would Westgate be better with a Parish Council?  He then thanked the guest speakers for their presentation. Tom also said that there would be a press report from tonight's meeting and a larger meeting could be called if the interest is there.

 

Tom then continued with the chairman's report:

1)      Village Green.  Although this status had been granted by the KCC, King Ethelbert School were going to appeal.   Graham Rickett is forming a village green committee and offers of help in this respect should be made to Graham on 07870563918.

2)      Manston Airport.  There was overwhelming support for Manston, and there is  to be an emergency TDC cabinet meeting on Tuesday to look into legal aspects for a CPO, a “back to back” agreement with an investor would require setting up.

3)      Silting up of the  pool in the bay.  No reply received to date.

4)      West Bay, request for shower.  Negative reply various reasons given.

5)      Refuse/Recycling Collections.  There had been problems with some flats, even when a caretaker had done his best to help.

 

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING

The minutes of the last meeting, (9^th June 2014), which had been circulated, were adopted on a prop by Stephanie Sutton sec by Richard Charlton, and signed.

 

MATTERS ARISING

1)      Dog Bins.  Tom had requested more, one had already been placed and hopefully there will be other new ones.

2)      Village Green.  Funding re the school's appeal case would be met by the KCC.

 

COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

 

KCC Cllr Jeff Elenor:  Questions were invited.

1)      Roads.  It was pointed out that in spite of a weed spraying team having been observed in the area, the weeds in some roads especially Bridge Road were considerable.  Also observed were potholes in Station Road, and Westgate Bay Avenue.  Jeff told the meeting that Station Road was scheduled for complete resurfacing in the Autumn, and the markings round other potholes indicates they have been reported.

2)      Westgate Bay Avenue Crossing.  Members pointed out that this road was still without a crossing whilst there were several in Birchington.  Jeff said that members' grants are not sufficient to cover all the items asked for.

3)      Westbrook Avenue/Rancorn Road.  Once again the wall of this property had been knocked down.  Tom hoped that KCC Highways and the joint transport committee may  be able to come up with improved warning road markings.

4)      New Trees.   Chris Wyer reported that some of the new trees required maintenance and watering.

CORRESPONDENCE

1)      Waste and Street Cleaning.  Harold Avenue and Westbury Road are to have double yellow lines at the corners so that the necessary vehicles can have access.

2)      Railway Footbridge Refurbishment.   This is mostly complete but on 26^th September trains will be suspended so that the painting can be finished.

3)      Waste and Recycling.  There will be new dog bins in Victoria Avenue and Minster Road, but the posters re dog fouling are still awaited.

4)      Beach Management Plan.   Tony Sykes had been in contact with Acorn Tourism Consulting Ltd which has been working for KCC and Canterbury Council and produced the plan.  Accommodation (hotels and guest houses) have been considered as people do not stay in Thanet due to lack of variety of accommodation.  One idea is for overnight beach huts, with availability the advantages of the Turner Centre etc Thanet should be made the place to stay. Issues of litter and dog fouling and vandalism need to be dealt with so that the plan can move forward.  Suggested spots for the huts were on the promenade by the Sea Bathing Hospital sight, near the Nayland Rock, and the Barnes car park as a motorhome stop.  Green tourism ie guided walks and seashore safaries could take place both summer and winter.  Local history and the work of Thanet Coast project should also be incorporated in the plan, and also important are the views of local residents.

5)      Marc Lawrence Memorial.  Tom reported this  is now in place and is in keeping with the rest of the memorial.  A letter has been received for the W&WRA from Mr and Mrs Lawrence expressing their gratitude for this fitting memorial in Westgate where Marc had grown up which does bring them some comfort.  There will be a service of dedication, date to be announced. 

 

PLANNING

1)      22, Carlton Road West.  Application for permission to erect single storey front and side extension and dormer roof.

2)      12, Domneva Road.  Application for erection of first floor rear extension.

3)      6, Ascot Gardens.  Application for erection of two storey side extension.

4)      West Bay Apartments.  Retrospective application for summer house.

5)      2/25 Westgate Bay Avenue.  Application for door and alteration to rear elevation.

 

EDITOR’S REPORT

The next magazine issue is now going to press.

 

MEMBERSHIP

More road stewards are urgently required.

 

PRESS REPORT

Richard said he will send a report of the meeting which hopefully will appear on Friday week.

 SOCIAL

1)      Outings.  The outing to Wingham Wildlife Park has been postponed.

2)      East Northdown Park Nursery.  An outing to see this and tea is to be arranged.

3)      Quiz.  The next quiz will be on Friday 29^th August at the Bake House, participants to bring their own food.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

1)      Trees near the library on Canterbury Road on the verge have grown considerably and require KCC attention.

2)      Westbrook Bay Promenade Beach Huts.  Eight original 1920s style beach huts were due for removal by TDC in September.  Tom agreed to make enquiries and see if there had been a report on them.

3)      Gully Sucking Work.  Chris Wyer queried the necessity of the stop and go signs and operatives during the operation

4)      Dual Carriageway-Plastic Flowers.  Comments were made about these and also the weeds underneath.

 

NEXT MEETING

 Monday 11^th August at the Westbrook Bowls Club 7 pm.

 

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