School sports village on way

These exclusive pictures reveal the stunning new sports facilities nearing completion at Herne Bay High School. Said to be the best of any school in the county, they will form part of a sports village complex which will also be available for community use.

The £51 million project, which includes a new gym at the Heron Leisure Centre, has a huge main “arena” hall for roller hockey, indoor football, basketball and bowls, with 412 spectator seats. Contractors are putting the finishing touches to the work and the facilities are expected to be formally opened after the summer holidays.

The scheme has been jointly funded by the city council and Buildings Schools for the Future and will relocate roller hockey and other sporting activities from the old Pier Pavilion so it can be demolished. City council finance portfolio holder Cllr Peter Lee said:

“It proves we made the right decision to go into partnership with the school because we could not have done it alone. Refurbishing the pavilion would have cost the same but the facilities and public access would not have been anywhere near as good. What we have now is superb sporting facilities which must be the best of any school in the county. It’s a very good deal for everyone."

The sports village also includes a new four-court hall and gymnastic hall, and all the facilities will be available to the public when not in school use. They will complement the existing outside facilities which includes a full-size synthetic football pitch, three floodlit tennis/ netball courts, a multi-use games area, climbing walls (both indoor and outdoor), two full-size football pitches, a summer grass athletics track, a junior football pitch, a 24-station fitness gym and coaching education areas.

The health and fitness facilities at the pier are also being moved to the upgraded Herons Leisure Centre, which it is said will rival the quality of private-sector health clubs. As soon as the new facilities are ready for use, work can start on demolishing the Pier Pavilion, which is expected to start in September.

HB Gazette 23rd Jun 2011 by Gerry Warren

New home for the Green Shelter

A historic shelter that has provided a rest space for town walkers since Victorian times could finally have a new home. The Green Shelter, also known as the threepenny bit shelter because of its shape, was removed from its site below Western Esplanade in February last year after it was damaged by vandals.

Since then it has been restored and revamped but officials and residents could not agree where it should go. But after discussion at a meeting of town councillors last week, its uncertain future looks to have finally been decided and it will be placed above Spa Esplanade, at the bottom of Bournemouth Drive.

The decision follows a report by Malcom Burgess, head of property and engineering services at the council. Mr Burgess told councillors that putting the shelter back near its original position would cost a further £11,000. This is on top of the £7,000 already spent on restoring the cast iron and timber shelter.

It was suggested that the £45,000 insurance money from the previously destroyed Red shelter could be used to build a second replica shelter that could be sited somewhere else. Peter Vickery-Jones, councillor for Herne and Broomfield said:

"It's important not to have this lost to the town forever."

The new location above the esplanade is thought to pose a reduced risk of vandalism and misuse.

HB Times 23rd Jun 2011

Asbestos work adds £¼m to Pier costs

The cost of demolishing the Herne Bay pier pavilion has risen dramatically because much higher quantities of asbestos than expected have been discovered in the building. The city council had originally budgeted £425,000 but the latest structural survey has revealed the full extent of extra work needed.

Now the lowest acceptable tender from a specialist demolition company is nearly £668,000 - £243,000 more than expected. The new figures were revealed to members of the council executive on Thursday which agreed to fund the extra cost. Cllr Peter Vickery-Jones said:

"This is a huge increase but there is no alternative. We have to find the money because we can't leave the building as it is."

Cllr Peter Lee added:

"The pier is a key part of Herne Bay's regeneration and investment in the town. But it will enable its replacement with something more for tourists which will provide an income for the Pier Trust."

Pier Trust chairman Julian Jennings told the executive he hoped there would not be any delays because it wanted the pier platform to be available for summer activities in 2012.

The contract is now expected to last 24 weeks and work is expected to start in the autumn when the sports facilities, currently housed in the pavilion, are transferred to a new sports centre at Herne Bay High School.

HB Gazette 23rd Jun 2011

Host of opportunities to put town on the map

A town on the up – that was the message from town manager Chris West for councillors. Mr West said Herne Bay was enjoying notable retail successes, including the opening of independent shop Berries Cake-Away and the arrival of clothing chain Peacocks.

At a meeting of the town's area member panel last week he also reported that the Bay had one of Kent's lowest numbers of empty shops at 5.4 per cent. This is in stark contrast to Margate with 37 per cent. Peter Lee, councillor for West Bay, spoke about the recent departure of Currys from the town centre. He said:

"I understand that Currys moved out even earlier than their lease required as Peacocks were so eager to get in. I think that's encouraging for the town."

Herne Bay in Bloom was also on the agenda. Councillor for Heron, Ron Flaherty suggested that tall weeds being allowed to grow in the town detracted from the Herne Bay in Bloom effort. He said:

"What are the judges going to think when they turn up and see huge weeds all over the place."

Mr West responded by saying that weed spraying would take place before judging of the competition took place. Volunteers for the Big Clean in Herne Bay were thanked for their efforts. Many gave up their lunch to collect litter, pull out weeds and generally clean up the town. Mr West also outlined plans for a marketing campaign to promote the Bay as a tourist destination. He said:

"We've got a great opportunity, with the Turner in Margate people can be drawn to Herne Bay as well."

An advertising campaign involving train station billboards within an hour radius, bus adverts and social networking aims to encourage day trippers and tourists on longer breaks. It will start at the beginning of July and continue until mid August.

HB Times 23rd Jun 2011

Councillors say sorting office closure will be 'horrendous'

Closing the sorting office in Herne Bay will affect new businesses, according to concerned councillors. Members of the city council's ruling executive debated Royal Mail's plan to shut the depot and move staff to Canterbury, at their meeting on Thursday. Petitioner Dick Eburne said the move would cause many problems. He said:

"It will have a significant impact on the people of Herne Bay who want to collect their mail."

Bay councillor Peter Lee said:

"This concerns me greatly, particularly when people are starting new businesses, post is still an important factor when getting a business off the ground. They don't really have a clue in what they are doing and it concerns me that the service is only going to get worse."

The decision to shut the offices in Herne Bay and Whitstable was described as "horrendous" by Herne councillor Peter Vickery-Jones, who said there would be an extra 2,500 journeys for posties.

The closures are part of a restructure planned to be completed by 2013. Protesters say people would have to travel to the city to collect parcels not delivered. Protesters will march through Herne Bay on Saturday, June 25. Everyone is welcome to join them at May Lodge, 14 Central Parade, Herne Bay, at 2pm. The march will set off at 3pm.

HB Times 23rd Jun 2011

Pavilion demolition will now take longer

Council bosses will have to pay an extra £218,000 to knock down Herne Bay's dilapidated pier pavilion after deadly asbestos was found in the building. Contractors surveying the aging sports centre – due to be demolished because it is too expensive to maintain – made the bombshell discovery last month. It was revealed to the city council's ruling executive committee on Thursday, and Pier Trust chairman Julian Jennings told councillors the group was concerned the discovery could lead to delays. He said:

"It could affect our 2012 summer programme when the whole country is celebrating the Olympics and the Queen's golden jubilee. The pier should be offering a programme of events that appeal both to residents and visitors and reflect these celebrations. If the opportunity is lost because of delays it would not reflect well on the town."

But officials said they were confident the work would finish in time, and stressed how important it was to the town. The historic pier was first built in 1831 and has been rebuilt twice since them. In 1978 a severe storm demolished part of it, leaving the pier head stranded at sea. Herne and Broomfield councillor Peter Vickery-Jones said officials would select the best contractor for the job rather than the cheapest. He added:

"It is a huge increase but we have no option. It needs to be done properly. It is not an option to leave the building as it is. We need to find the money and we should get on and do it."

West Bay councillor Peter Lee said the project would remain a priority, despite the increasing cost.

"To refurbish the building or rebuild it elsewhere would have cost £3.5 million. That is about the same as we have spent on Herons and Herne Bay High School."

The building is due to be cleared in September and demolition work will start in October.

Have your say about beach huts

Community groups are to have their say about plans for more beach huts in Herne Bay. Councillors agreed to ask for people's views about proposals to site extra huts at a range of locations, including two sites on the Downs.

But campaigners from the Friends of the Downs said the peace of the area would be spoilt by extra huts. And Gillian Reuby, councillor for Reculver, agreed. She said:

"The Downs are a place where people go walking in peaceful surroundings, to get away from the hubbub of the town. Putting beach huts here would threaten that."

Richard Griffiths, outdoor leisure manager for Canterbury City Council detailed potential locations but said some had already been scrapped because of planning, legal or engineering issues.

Comments should be sent to michelle.killick@canterbury.gov.uk by July 4th, and a final decision on which sites to investigate further will be made by councillors on the ruling executive at the end of July. Before any more beach huts are built, planning permission would have to be granted and there would be more opportunity for public consultation.

HB Gazette 23rd Jun 2011

Tourism in Herne Bay

I think it was a mistake to remove Herne Bay's dedicated Visitor Information Centre. Tourism caused our town to be built in the first place, and has been the mainstay of our micro-economy for decades. A thriving local tourism industry will be a more effective engine of regeneration than a new supermarket.

I was pottering around Canterbury in mid-May and popped into their Information Centre out of curiousity. This was when I found the solitary sheet of A4 promoting Herne Bay - click the little version on the left to see a more legible version. I was not impressed. When I got back to Herne Bay, I had a look at the tourist information locations, and wasn't encouraged. So I started harrumphing to the local rags...

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Dear Sir,

Many in Herne Bay fondly remember the days when we had a Visitor Information Centre, staffed by friendly, helpful and knowledgable people who spent each working day promoting our town and its attractions. When the Council closed the VIC, we were told that brochure stands, touchscreens and Canterbury City's own tourist centre would adequately fill the gap.

Now that we are at the beginning of summer, and the tourist season is starting, you might expect visitors to be able to find plenty of promotional material and information. Prepare to be disappointed - very disappointed!

The brochures in Makcari's mostly promote Canterbury.

Of the eighty or so brochures on display in the Council Offices, just three promote Herne Bay's attractions.

The touchscreens in Makcari's and inside the Council Offices take you to the Canterbury Tourist site - the only place you can click on the words "Herne Bay" is tucked away right at the bottom of the page, not even visible unless you scroll down.

The touchscreen outside the Council Offices is even worse. You click on a category, in the hope of finding something about Herne Bay...

Accommodation: 3 in Herne Bay, 6 in Whitstable, and 44 that aren't even in CCC's patch - they're in Thanet;

Attractions: 9 in Herne Bay, 8 in Whitstable, 36 in Canterbury, 45 in Thanet, 1 in Ashford and a couple in Faversham;

Food & Drink: on the first half a dozen screens, 9 in Herne Bay, 18 in Whitstable and 20 in Thanet;

and so it goes on.

In the Canterbury Tourist Information, they have wall after wall covered in stands of brochures, many of them promoting places that aren't even in the Council's area: Margate, Dover, Deal, Sandwich, Broadstairs, Romney, Hythe, Tonbridge, Medway, Tunbridge Wells, Tenterden, Faversham, Folkestone, Chatham. What do they have promoting Herne Bay? One piece of A4.

The tourist information in our town is directing people away from our town. After closing our VIC, all Canterbury has on show to encourage people to come to our town is one piece of paper.

Canterbury City Council's betrayal and neglect of our town is shameful and sickening.

Yours etc.

HB Times 16th June 2011

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Our attractions "being left off tourism trail"

The promotion of Herne Bay in Canterbury's tourism centre is covered by just ONE sheet of A4 paper, it has been claimed. Bay campaigner Phil Rose also says his detailed research has uncovered a measly three brochures advertising Herne Bay attractions in the town's own council offices - out of more than 80 on display.

The news has sparked a scathing attack on the council, which has been accused of neglecting the town in favour of Canterbury and even areas outside the district. Mr Rose, of Beacon Hill, Herne Bay, says promises made when the town's Visitor Information Centre (VIC) closed in 2008 have not been kept. He said:

"Many in the town fondly remember the days when we had a VIC, staffed by friendly, helpful and knowledgeable people who spent each working day promoting our town and its attractions. When the council closed the VIC, we were told that brochure stands, touch screens and Canterbury city's own tourist centre would adequately fill the gap. Now that we are at the beginning of summer, and the tourist season is starting, you might expect visitors to be able to find plenty of promotional material and information. But the tourist information in our town is directing people away from our town. After closing our VIC, all Canterbury has on show to encourage people to come to Herne Bay is one piece of paper. The council's betrayal and neglect of our town is shameful and sickening."

Mr Rose said his research revealed the majority of brochures at Makcari's - the site of the old VIC - promote Canterbury. He also claims a touch screen outside the council offices pro motes just nine attractions in Herne Bay, but 36 in Canterbury and 45 in Thanet.

HB Gazette 16th June 2011 Joe Walker joewalker@thekmqroup.co.uk

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Leaflet racks are replenished reqularly and should include guides to each town

Council spokesman Rob Davies described the promotion of Herne Bay as a visitor destination as a "priority". He said:

"Producing and displaying leaflets is just one of many ways in which we do this. Information is provided across a number of locations in Herne Bay and across the district. Leaflet racks are replenished regularly and should include guides for each town, including our coastal guide in which Herne Bay features prominently. Herne Bay is also actively promoted through the Visit Canterbury website, which is the main portal for visitors seeking information on the district and things to do when they are here. The touch screens do feature information about Thanet, but the screens in Thanet feature information about our district in return. We review our tourism information regularly to ensure we are providing the best service, but we will of course look at Mr Rose's comments to see if there are things we are missing."

Amateur Oscars awards

This Saturday is the amateur dramatics' equivalent of the Oscars. Actors and directors from all over the county will gather at Whitstable's Playhouse Theatre at 7pm to see if they have won in the Kent Drama Association full-length play festival. Adjudicators have spent the past few months visiting theatres and seeing what is on offer.

The Lindley Players, who own the Playhouse, have done particularly well with nine nominations. These include: Dave Rogers for best actor in a cameo role; Jessica Storer for best debut in a full-length play and best young player; Peter Bressington for best supporting actor best stage design for Female Transport; Mandy Hunt for best new festival director and Clare Snashall for best actress. The Lindleys are also up for best wardrobe and best stage presentation.

Herne Bay's Heidi Griggs of Theatrecraft has been nominated for best supporting actress. Theatrecraft has also been nominated for best initiative in stage presentation and ensemble acting. Herne Bay Operatic Society is changing its name to Herne Bay Music Society. Spokeswoman Mary Hixson said:

"We feel it better reflects the type of show we do nowadays."

The name change coincides with the group's 60th anniversary bash at the Kings Hall, Herne Bay, on Saturday, June 25. President and former Pop Idol judge Nicki Chapman will be among the guests. Entertainment will be from Goosebumps swing and jive band. Doors open at 7pm.

Red Sands Radio wants to hear from local bands to broadcast when the station returns to the airwaves on July 2. Bosses have introduced a new slot on its Live Lunch programme and a new show called Red Sands Rocks on Sunday nights. Spokesman Roy Gooderson said:

"We are supporting this year's Bands at the Belmont open-air concert and want to hear from local composers, bands and solo artists who want to hear their songs on the radio."

Already lined up are the Flame Pilots, Dave Emm, The Trouser Trumpets, Masque, The Scimitars, The Keytones, Hullabaloo, Jazz Police, Rubber Biscuit, Wasabi, Malcolm Holland, and Mel Harris. Red Sands Radio will also be playing songs from established local Bands like Caravan, Maroon Dogs and Fantasia. Send an mp3 file to studio@redsandsradio.co.uk or post a CD to Red Sands Radio, Whitstable, CT5 2PF with a brief biography. Red Sands launches on 87.7FM and www.redsandsradio.co.uk

Canterbury Times 17th Jun 2011

Residents 'in tears' as care home shut down

Eight residents aged 25 to 80 were left in tears when their care home was suddenly closed forcing them into temporary accommodation. Officials from the Care Quality Commission made a shock decision to shut Sea View Lodge in Central Parade, Herne Bay, amid allegations of neglect and abuse. A court order was made at Canterbury Magistrates' Court and the home's registration was cancelled with immediate effect on Wednesday, meaning the eight residents were moved out by Kent County Council staff.

Owner Shahid Sheikh, who denies any wrongdoing and is consulting lawyers, said many were in tears as they left. He believes he has been unfairly treated by the government watchdog and fears the action follows a letter of complaint from a disgruntled ex-employee. The 61-year-old said:

"They were not able to tell me one specific thing that was wrong. If I had made a mistake then I would say 'what needs changing?' But this just doesn't make sense. It has totally come out of the blue."

Roxy Boyce, regional director for the CQC, said they had acted to protect the safety and welfare of people at Seaview Lodge. He said:

"Closing a care home is not a decision taken lightly. However, it became clear that the only way to properly protect residents was to close the home immediately, and move residents to other locations where care is of a better standard."

Mr Sheikh said the home – which received a 'good' rating at its last inspection a year ago – was always run to the highest standards. Some residents had lived there for 20 years and last year's inspection report praised staff for being thoughtful and respectful. Sea View Lodge has been run by Mr Sheikh for the last 12 years and he says recent events have left him devastated.

"It was always like a big family in the home. The residents had everything they needed and I would always spend money to ensure that. In the space of 12 hours this has all happened."

Margaret Howard, director of operations for learning disability at the county council, said staff worked with the Care Quality Commission to find alternative accommodation and kept friendship groups together. She said:

"We will continue to support them and ensure we find them an appropriate permanent accommodation for the future."

HB Times 17th Jun 2011

Daft huts

Campaigners have slated plans to put beach huts at the foot of the Downs as "daft and opportunistic". Phil Rose, founder of the Friends of the Downs, said:

"I thought this idea was dead in the water. This time officers are trying to put beach huts on the concrete rather than the slopes. But our concerns remain about vandalism. The Red Shelter was burned down."

The city council has marked the area as a low "priority 4" site, but notes the site was originally designed for beach huts. Mr Rose said:

"If the council puts beach huts there and we gain permission to register the site as a village green, they will be obliged by law to remove them again. It strikes me as a bit daft and opportunistic given the vociferous opposition they've faced."

HB Times 17th Jun 2011

Council says beach hut demand is outstripping supply

City councillors have found 11 potential sites to build more beach huts on. A full report was being discussed by members of the Herne Bay area members panel on Tuesday and by Whitstable members last night (Wednesday). The council's ruling executive will discuss the comments on July 28.

Members of the Herne Bay Beach Hut Association, Tankerton Bay Beach Hut Association, Herne Bay Residents Association, Whitstable Society and Whitstable Harbour Board took part in the review of all sites from Seasalter to Reculver.

Thirty-one sites have been ruled out for expansion including land near Seasalter Sailing Club, central Tankerton Slopes, the green gap at Swalecliffe, Studd Hill in Herne Bay, Herne Bay's Central Parade and Bishopstone Glen to Reculver.

Community groups have been invited to comment on the report by July 4. It is available on the council website. Reculver councillor Gillian Reuby said:

"I have no problem with more beach huts in principle, but when it comes to Herne Bay we need to be very careful. I divide the town into three parts: the western part is beach huts and family areas; the middle is day-trippers and shoppers and is very lively; the eastern part is tranquil, undisturbed and for those looking for peace and quiet and nice walks."

The city council's head of community development and outdoor leisure, Suzi Wakeham, said:

"Demand for beach huts in Herne Bay and Whitstable is outstripping supply. Beach hut associations have waiting lists and huts sell quickly on the market. They are also good for the local economy and have an important role to play in the regeneration of Herne Bay."

The report is available at council offices in Herne Bay, Whitstable Improvement Trust and Whitstable library. Do we need more beach huts? Email newsdesk.times@KRNmedia.co.uk or leave a message on our Facebook site.

HB Times 17th Jun 2011

Future of shelter to be decided

A long-running battle over where to place a Victorian shelter looked set to come to a head this week. Councillors were voting on where to put the historic Green Shelter as the Times went to press, after failing to come to a decision at a meeting in March. At the moment the shelter is in storage after having been taken down and repainted.

The three options for where to put it are back where it was, near Herne Bay pier; to move it to one side, on to the slopes of the Spa Esplanade – the option favoured by councillors – which would require the shelter to be supported by stilts; and to put it onto Herne Bay Pier itself. The head of Herne Bay Residents Association Dick Eburne said:

" I think it is highly likely the money will be used to put the Green Shelter on stilts on western slopes of the Spa Esplanade."

Councillors had asked officer Malcolm Burgess to hire someone to work out costs for placing the shelter back on the site where it was. That option had been rejected by council engineers as unsafe and expensive because of an underground drain. Mr Burgess said putting the shelter on the site councillors wanted would cost around £14,000. That's on top of the £8,000 facelift the shelter had after being taken down in February last year.

HB Times 17th Jun 2011

Onion's Tardis

A life-sized Tardis on the seafront could be a real draw with tourists, according to a Bay councillor. Tory Andrew Cook, who represents Heron ward, raised the issue for discussion at Tuesday's meeting of the town's councillors.

The unusual agenda item came up after local prop-maker Jason Onion, 35, suggested the town go Dr Who mad and put a Tardis on the seafront. He said it would be in recognition of BBC scriptwriter Anthony Coburn, who lived and worked in the Bay and conceived the idea of a police box as a time machine.

Mr Onion said a 9ft (2.7m) blue box would be a good excuse to coach the country's Dr Who fans down to the Bay. Town manager Chris West said he thought it was a great idea. He said:

"Anything that serves to draw more people down to the town can only be a good thing. I understand that he's donating a full-sized replica to the library along with some original scripts for the series so we could have what amounts to a very nice exhibition!"

Mr Cook said:

"It's an unusual idea but as a councillor I'm here to facilitate ideas and give people a voice. It's up to my colleagues to agree or disagree as they see fit. But if you think how many Dr Who fans there are – you can't go into a shop in the country without finding Tardis merchandise – out there, it could be a great draw as there seems to be a genuine link to the town."

The first four episodes of Doctor Who were written by Mr Coburn in 1963. Next year is the show's 50th anniversary.

HB Times 16th Jun 2011

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Plans to install a full-size replica Tardis on Herne Bay seafront could become reality after the idea was given a massive thumbs-up by town councillors. The 8ft wooden booth – which will operate as a working police box – will be sited on the entrance to the pier.

Creator Jason Onion, from Beltinge, presented the idea at a meeting on Tuesday night and won a round of applause from councillors and the public. He said the £7,000 Tardis – which will take two months to build – will acknowledge the late Anthony Coburn, who lived in Herne Bay and wrote the first ever Doctor Who episode. It will also have a 360 degree CCTV camera on top to deter would-be vandals. Mr Onion, 35, said:

“I have approached Maidstone Police for their inclusion on this and they are favourable. I wish to involve all emergency services, including St John’s and the coastguard, so the item functions as was intended while serving as a new landmark for the town. I can see only positives for this and know it will do good for Herne Bay.”

The time-travelling machine was well-received by those at the meeting, with many claiming it will give the seafront a boost. Town centre councillor Andrew Cook said:

“I think it’s a great idea and has certainly attracted a lot of attention. Everyone has an interest in it so I think we should take it a step further. It could open up some very interesting doors for Herne Bay and be another thing for us to hang our hat on.”

Heron Ward sidekick Joe Howes added:

“The idea’s great, but Andrew Coburn wasn’t just Dr Who. He wrote lots of other things, including Poldark, so it’s important we recognise that as well.”

West Bay’s Peter Lee said:

“This seems like an excellent idea with benefits to the town. The Herne Bay Regeneration Group Working Party has been looking at the seafront for awhile now and at areas where things can be put and developed. I think the best way forward is to refer this to them so they can look for a permanent site as part of the work they’re doing.”

County councillor David Hirst added:

“It seems great to me - I love it. There’s definitely a use for it.”

It’s thought the Tardis could be built from reclaimed wood from the soon-to-be demolished pier pavilion. Councillors agreed for the idea to be considered by the regeneration working group. Kent County Council has also confirmed it is considering putting a 1963 replica in the town’s library.

HB Gazette 16th Jun 2011

Post mortem and the afterlife

May's election is done and dusted, the rosettes stored away, the leaflets recycled, and the manifesto promises are just fading memories.

What are we left with for the next four years, here in sunny Herne Bay? Well, we've got eight of the old guard (one re-badged) and five newbies - a decent rate of turnover, by the look of it. Twelve of them are Conservative, one Liberal Democrat. And this is where our problems start.

In Herne & Broomfield, there was no change: Bisset, Sonnex and Vickery-Jones sailed in. In the papers the next week, Sharron Sonnex wrote about continuing to "robustly represent" her constituents. I laughed till I stopped. After attending HBAMP meetings on and off for a couple of years, plus the occasional Council meeting, I had never heard Sharon Sonnex speak (or Evelyn Bisset, come to that). When the Herne & Broomfield blarney fairy was handing out the gift of the gab, I think Peter Vickery-Jones must have cornered the market.

Over in West Bay, old hand Peter Lee topped the poll, closely followed by Sebastien Byford. Who? Well, Sebastien is one of the new foundling councillors, magicked out of nowhere by Conservative High Command and dropped neatly into the gap left by Vince McMahan. As you can tell from the number of votes - nearly as many as the experienced financial wizard Peter Lee - he is clearly top-class councillor material.

In my home Ward of Reculver (where I was beaten into fourth place, but still ahead of Labour and LibDems), we hung on to Cllrs Reuby and Taylor, and acquired Jennie Edwards. Putting her glamorous past behind her, Jennie works in the local Conservative office in Birchington, where she was sprinkled with fairy dust and became - tadah! - another foundling councillor.

Heron Ward in central Herne Bay is home to our lone remaining LibDem, Ron Flaherty, and two more newbies - Andrew Cook (King of the Beach Huts) and Joe Howes, about whom I know nothing, other than Andrew apparently met him whilst out dog-walking.

Greenhill & Eddington was all surprises - Robert Bright (once a Conservative, then a LibDem, now a Conservative again) topped the poll, closely followed by David Hirst (already a busy Kent County Councillor for Herne Bay). Councillor Bright is said by his (current) leader John Gilbey to have "ratted and re-ratted" - and there the similarity with Winston Churchill ends, completely. He had not been reselected by the LibDems due to his poor performance as a constituency councillor. For me, his election lends the lie to the idea that the Conservative party has a formidable election machine - you can pin a blue rosette on a rat and it will get votes.

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So, what are we to make of all this, and what's going to happen next?

Dear Reader, I must confess I'm worried for our town. All of the retorgrade steps in recent years have, by definition, happened under and because of the Conservative majority in Canterbury. We now have an overwhelming Conservative majority in Herne Bay - anything and everything that is suggested or ordered by Canterbury High Command will go through on the nod. I forecast poor attendance, and worse debate, at HBAMP (the meeting of our local councillors) as the unchallengable majority become increasingly lazy and arrogant.

Our local democracy is already in poor shape - the Central Development Plan gets a mixed reaction from 119 people, and goes ahead; the village green application gets solid support from ten times as many (1,181) and is fiercely opposed by the Council. Over the last couple of decades, we have seen blue and red landslide victories in national politics, and both have turned sour. I fear this local landslide will follow the same pattern.

And what of HBAMP itself?

We're at the stage in the game of political musical chairs when everyone changes place. The chairmanship alternates annually between Kent County Council and Canterbury City Council, as does the vice-chairmanship. Last year we had David Hirst (chair, KCC) and Vince McMahan (vice-chair, CCC), so this year we must have a CCC Chair, and a KCC vice-chair.

The vice-chairmanship is easy enough to forecast - there are two possible candidates, David Hirst and Jean Law. As David has just had a year of chairing, it will fall to Jean Law to be vice-chair. The chairmanship is a little trickier.

Traditionally, members of the Executive are ruled out - they don't want to give the impression that the Executive runs everything. Perish the thought! So that rules out Lee, Taylor and Vickery-Jones. The newbies are out of the running for a whole host of good reasons, not least inexperience - so that rules out Cook, Howes, Edwards and Byford. Cllr Reuby was chair recently, and there is not a chance in hell that LoneDem Ron Flaherty would be made chair.

Which leave us with the Silent Sisters Sonnex and Bisset, and Blue Rat Bright. Tough call! The word on the street is that Bright wins by a whisker, much to the annoyance of local Tories, some of whom refused to stand in the same Ward as Bright, and even threatened to resign rather than be too close to him. Bright managed to rile people, councillors and public alike, sitting as a councillor on HBAMP. As chair, he promises to be insufferable. He may turn out to be the only significant problem the Herne Bay Conservatives have.

A tragically lonely death

A woman who died alone except for her pet parrot was left undiscovered for FIVE months. The woman, named locally as Laura Keevil, 47, of Rowland Drive in Greenhill, was last seen alive before Christmas. But it wasn't until May 12 that worried neighbours finally called police after spotting thousands of flies gathering at her upstairs window. This week, the Herne Bay Times learned that alarm bells should have rung weeks before, as neighbours told how they reported her missing to the Hyde Housing Association. One shocked neighbour, who asked not to be named, said:

"Mrs Keevil always went on holiday at Christmas. But this year we didn't see her go or come back. When no windows had been opened for more than a month I called Hyde Housing Association, which manages the property. They sent a woman round who knocked on the door but there was no answer so she left. She said she didn't have a key. I called the housing association again a few weeks later because something felt badly wrong. I could see a dead parrot in its cage through the window.

The housing association sent someone round again but nothing further happened so I tried to forget it. Then I noticed swarms of flies at the upstairs window. It felt so wrong so I called the police. Two young policewomen came round. They tried the back door and it turned out that it hadn't even been locked. They went upstairs and found the body. It was taken away in a white sheet. Someone opened the upstairs window to let out the flies but the house still hasn't been fumigated."

Police spokeswoman Jane Walker confirmed officers had discovered a woman's body in the house, adding:

"She appeared to have been dead for some time and was in an advanced state of decomposition."

A spokesman for East Kent coroner Rebecca Cobb said an inquest had not yet been opened so could not confirm the dead woman was Mrs Keevil. Another neighbour said:

"The house is back on the city council's lettings list again. It was meant to be available from Monday but still hasn't been cleared. It's in a right state."

The property is advertised on the Kent Home Choice website for £89.72 a week, including a service charge of 59p. When the Times visited the property, we found the upstairs window still open and the dead parrot still visible at the bottom of its cage in the kitchen. Neighbour Roger Hinton said:

"Mrs Keevil used to live with her daughter but the daughter moved away. It is quite sad for something like this to be allowed to happen in this day and age."

A spokesman for Hyde Housing Association said:

"At this difficult time, we offer our support and condolences to Mrs Keevil's family."

HB Times 10th Jun 2011

Fishing ban reviewed

Councillors will discuss the fishing ban at the Memorial Park fishing lake at the town's members panel on Tuesday. Bay resident Andy Newell was incensed 'no fishing' signs had appeared at the lake and asked Councillor Ron Flaherty to raise the issue.

Byelaw 10 (iii) says it is illegal to "attempt to take, injure or destroy, any fish in any such water, or wilfully disturb or worry any waterfowl". But councillors spotted a loophole and decided that fishing might be allowed with barbless hooks and new signs should be installed. Officers had other ideas. They said:

"Legal and other officers have reviewed this matter and advise that fishing is prohibited by the byelaw. However, a review of byelaws will come forward during the new administrative year."

HB Times 10th Jun 2011

AGM - Change of Date

We have unfortunately had to postpone our AGM which will not now be held on 14 June. We apologise for any inconvenience this causes you.

When we set our date we checked the diaries for all other important local meetings. The Herne Bay Area Panel was scheduled to meet on 7 June but has now been changed until a week later, 14 June, and therefore the same night as our AGM. As this meeting cannot be rearranged a second time, the Pier Trust has been asked to move its AGM.

Due to the unavailability of trustees during July and August, the AGM will now take place during the first week in September. The date will be notified as soon as possible.

Seafront Gallery

The third exhibition at the Herne Bay Pier Trust Gallery opens on 27 May and will run until 12 June. The exhibition is called Herne Bay's Helping Hands by Theresa Gaston St John. The Gallery is open from 11am to 6pm every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

For all enquiries about the Gallery from artists and groups please contact Andrea Leach andrea.leach@yahoo.co.uk or telephone 07802 630871. Andrea is still looking for more volunteers to help out at the Gallery during opening hours. Please contact him if you are able to assist, even for a few hours.

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Reclaim Regenerate Rebuild

www.hernebaypiertrust.co.uk

It's Kitewood. Again.

Yes folks, it's Kitewood. The people who brought us Altira Tumbleweed Park, and didn't bring us a new Blacksole Bridge. The people who said they would bring us a new Blacksole Bridge if they could have a huge swathe of Beltinge to play with.

To be honest, I don't think we're any closer to getting a bridge, but Kitewood are starting to nibble away at the open spaces of Beltinge, laying the foundations of "Kitegate" a development area the size of Hampton.

They've got their eyes on the eastern end of Kitegate, where they hope to knock up 40 homes on farmland, much to the annoyance of the local residents who thought they would be living next to, er, farmland.

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Our lives will be ruined if more homes are built

Hundreds of angry parents fear their children's lives could be put at risk if a new housing development is built in Beltinge.

Concerned families on the Castle Chase estate are furious with plans to use their neighbourhood as the only access route to a proposed 40-home plot off Puffin Road. They claim an extra 500 vehicles will drive through the estate every day, passing four play parks, if the development on farmland gets the thumbs up. Anthony Palmer, of Puffin Road, is among almost 100 people who have written objection letters. He said:

"This would have a devastating impact on what is a very happy and settled road. Children play completely happily in the play area outside my house. With the addition of at least another 500 vehicle journeys a day this will compromise this environment and put their lives at greater risk."

Neighbour Keith Roberts added:

"There are approximately 25 children under the age of 16 in Puffin Road alone, where we feel they can play in a very safe and secure environment. This would not be the case with heavy plant vehicles coming through the road on a daily basis."

Most people on the estate appear happy for new homes to be built, but object to Puffin Road being used as the only access route. They say older roads to the north of the site are much wider and should be used. Trevor Higgs, of Puffin Road, said:

"I understand the residents of Roseberry Avenue, Rowland Crescent and Richmond Drive will most certainly raise objections to their roads being used in a similar fashion and I fully understand their concern. However, these roads are far more suited and in closer proximity to the estate."

A similar application on the same site was knocked back in 2003, with planners saying there was already enough housing land in the area. The decision was appealed unsuccessfully by developers Kitewood Estates in 2005. Local councillor Gabrielle Davis supported the objection at the time of the appeals She said:

"I was assured afterwards that the site would be taken off the local plan as there was, and continues to be, enough housing for local needs. It is an open space and should remain protected for future generations."

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Kitewood planning manager Paul Watkins said Puffin Road was earmarked as an access route when the Castle Chase estate was built. He said:

"The planning consent included a condition that access could be provided from Puffin Road. The application site is also allocated as a reserve housing site for 40 dwellings in the Canterbury District Plan First Review, which was adopted in 2006. Our own engineers have tested the suitability of Puffin Road to access the site for 40 dweilinqs and found no issues."

A decision on the outline planning application is expected to made in the next few months.

HB Gazette 9th June 2011

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Here are the planning documents - just click to view.

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Visit www.SaveHillborough.info for more

Making allowances

Council leader John Gilbey once again tops the table for take-home pay among city councillors, new allowances figures show. Mr Gilbey, who represents Blean Forest, earned £32,382, more than half of which came from his special allowance of £21,361 as council boss. The Tory's expenses included £2,000 in mileage and £570 for his mobile phone.

Conservative vice chairman of the council's executive and Seasalter representative Jean Law was runner up with £17,235 – her basic allowance of £4,710 topped up by special responsibility allowances totalling £8,502.

Executive member Peter Vickery-Jones, who represents Herne and Broomfield, came next – his £13,093 including £5,505 in special responsibility allowances and £408 for his mobile phone.

Lib Dem leader Alex Perkins, who represents Wincheap, earned £12,378.23 including £6,611.78 for special responsibility, while former Labour leader Julia Seath, who did not stand in this year's elections but used to represent Harbour in Whitstable, claimed £6,134.

The figures were released by the council last week and broken down into basic allowance, special responsibility, travel and subsistence and PC allowance for the financial year to 31 March 2011.

HB Times 9th June 2011