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

WESTGATE AND WESTBROOK Residents' Association meeting July 2016

 

 

MINUTES OF A GENERAL MEETING HELD AT THE WESTBROOK BOWLS CLUB ON MONDAY 11^th JULY 2016 AT 7.15PM.

 

 

PRESENT

Mick Tomlinson (chair), eighteen members, Thanet District Cllrs Ash Ashbee and Mick Tomlinson, Westgate Town Cllrs Ash Ashbee, Tom King, and Ron Rolfe, and KCC Warden Laura Bungard.

 

The chairman welcomed all to the meeting.

 

APOLOGIES

Apologies had been received from Muriel Atkins, Sam Secomb, and Mavis Vaughan.

 

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

1)      Committee.  New committee members are needed especially to fill the posts of vice-chairman, magazine editor, and press secretary.  The work of editor requires time and experience and will be filled as soon as possible, and the chairman asked for patience and understanding concerning the delay of the next issue.

2)      Waste/Recycling Collections.  There have been some problems with these, there have been staff shortages and some bins filled with incorrect contents which cannot be taken to recycling.  In the case of the latter a sticker will be placed on the bin giving  the reason.

3)      Council Tax Support Scheme.  This will be changing and details will be explained at the Gateway on Wednesday and Thursday.

4)      Super East Kent Authority.  This possibility is to be discussed with leaders and chief executives of Thanet, Canterbury, Ashford, Dover and Shepway councils.  There will not be a decision for some time, and if it goes ahead would not be in place until 2020.  Details will be shown on the internet.

5)      24-26, Westbrook Road.  Following enforcement some occupants had left, but some had come back.  In spite of objections planning permission had been granted for flats.  Concern was expressed from the floor that the property was now up for sale.

6)      Margate Cemetery Trust.  More volunteers are required for the one morning  per week.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

 

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING

The minutes of the last meeting, (13^th June 2016), which had been circulated, were   amended and adopted on a prop. by Don Eacott seconded by Tony Sykes.

 

 

MATTERS ARISING

1)      Westgate-on-Sea Town Council.  Mick said he would be inviting the Town Clerk to address one of our general meetings, and any councillors from the WTC are always welcome to represent the council at W&WRA meetings. 

 

COUNCILLORS' / WARDEN'S / PCSOS'  REPORTS

TDC Cllr Ash Ashbee:

1)      Application for 139, Sea Road.  This has been called in.  

2)      Bridge Road.  KCC are to clear the banks, then the pay back team will paint the railings as arranged by Cllr Ashbee.

3)      Barnes Car Park Large Bin.  This has now been put in place.

 

In answer to a question from the floor concerning a possible second pedestrian crossing for Westbrook/Westgate Bay Avenues, Cllr Ashbee said that the inquest had only just been completed, and the exact location for the crossing is  not yet decided.

 

WTC Cllr Tom King:

1)      Town Council Meetings.  These took place on the first Monday of each month at the Town Hall and are open for the public to attend.

2)      Different Councillors are to be seconded out to local organisations including the W&WRA.

3)      Progress so Far.  The first fifteen months had been difficult, plans were in hand to manage finance and general purposes, and talks were continuing with TDC to acquire equipment for services.  It is hoped to remove rubbish graffiti and weeds.  Events that will go through the WTC include the pancake race, remembrance day parade, and the Christmas lights.  Grants had been made to restore the chimes in the clock in Christ Church tower, and for cleaning equipment for use by local residents, and to the Westgate Community Centre, and Westgate's Christmas lights. TDC had offered the “games hut” in St Mildred's car park, and a cleaner truck and barrows are available for a nominal amount.  Tom believed that an active Town Council should be very helpful during tough financial times.

 

KCC Warden Laura Bungard: (Laura had brought her report but had to attend an incident urgently, and the report was read by the  chairman).

1)      In the month of June Laura had been involved with:  13 Highways issues, 9 rubbish/dog fouling/fly tips, 14 vulnerable residents/mental health etc., 8 parking/cars for sale in prohibited roads, 11 youth groups/nursery/clubs, 7 referrals/social services, 6 advice, 5 ASB/graffiti, 7 DVLA, 5 police, and a few other items. 

 

 

CORRESPONDENCE

1)      Police Information by email.  Male doorstep callers in the area selling dusters etc no ID displayed.  Do not get involved, if suspicious call 101 and give description.

2)       Online Financial Scam. Message comes in “have restricted your access to online banking, and now require verification process”.

3)      Telephone Scam.  UK Call Guard Service offers protection from unwanted calls for £199.  Available free from TPS.  Do not get involved.

4)      Letter supposedly from the bank asking that you call them.  Only phone your bank on their correct number known to you. 

 

 

PLANNING 

1)      29, Domneva Road.  Application for single storey extension to rear elevation, and two storey extension to side.

2)      72, St Mildred's Road.  Application for change of use from retail to ice cream parlour.

3)      139, Sea Road.  This application has been called in.

4)      Premier Inn Westbrook.  Proposed window replacement.

5)      Land West of Hundreds Farm House.  Outline application for erection of 64 bed care home including access.

6)      1, Tyson Avenue.  Application for single storey rear extension, loft conversion, front porch, and internal  alterations.

7)      60, St Mildred's Road.  Application for change of use from retail to children's nursery.

8)      Walmer Castle.  Application for change of use from pub to Greek bar and restaurant.

9)      Station Road (new units).  Application for change of use from retail to educational purposes in one unit, and to bar and restaurant in another unit.

10)  27B, Ethelbert Square.  Application for change of use from storage to a two bedroom dwelling. 

 

 

TREASURER'S REPORT  

None.

 

EDITOR'S REPORT

None.  A new editor is urgently needed.

 

SUNSHINE REPORT

None.

 

MEMBERSHIP

Christina said there was no new information other than new members were joining steadily.

 

CIVIC REPORT

Westgate Heritage Centre:  Next meeting is Saturday 6^th August at St Saviour's Church at 10.30am when there will be a talk by Dr Dawn Crouch “Westgate in 1916” concerning the effects on the Town of another year of war.    

 

SOCIAL

1)      Continuing with outings, lunches, and a music quiz in September.

 

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

1)      Rubbish in Westbrook Road.   Cllr Ashbee suggested the best option was to report this to a local councillor. 

2)      Allotment.  The allotment previously rented by the W&WRA has been given up, which is why it may look derelict. 

3)      Car sales in Roads.  Cars have been seen for sale in Canterbury Road, which is a prohibited road and therefore illegal.

4)      Grass Cutting Frequency.  This is budgeted at eight cuts per year.

5)      Signs at junction of Hengist Road and the Dual Carriageway.  Cllr Ashbee agreed to raise this at the Joint Transport Committee meeting. 

6)      Foot Bridge between The Grove and Station Road.  This appeared to have been painted but not very professionally. Enquiries are ongoing. 

7)      Canterbury Road.  Trees and shrubs from gardens on the North side of the road are obstructing the pavement.  The council is writing to the owners.

8)      Westgate Against Rubbish Group.  Next litter removal is on 23^rd July, meet at the station. 

 

 

NEXT MEETING

 Monday 8^th August, at the Westgate Town Hall, 7.00pm for 7.15pm.

 

 

There being no other business the meeting concluded at 8.41pm.