Local Plan - Herne Bay, Hillborough

View fullsize

Click it to big it.​

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Click it to big it. 

Local Plan - Whitstable, Thanet Way

View fullsize

Click it to big it.​

Local Plan - Sturry

View fullsize

Click it to big it.​

Local Plan - Hersden

View fullsize

Click it to big it.​

Local Plan - Canterbury south

View fullsize

Click it to big it.​

View fullsize

Click it to big it.​

Ancient Persia: The Royal Road - Xerxes to Darius

WEA Herne Bay branch Day School

Ancient Persia: The Royal Road - Xerxes to Darius

Persia (ancient Iran) occupies an important place among the great civilisations of the ancient world. Civilisation began early in Iran and at this day school we will not only explore the society of the times but also investigate the amazing legacy of Cyrus, Cambyses and Darius.

• Tutor: Christine Humber
• When: Saturday 18th May 2013, 10:30am to 3:30pm
• Where: St Andrew's Church Hall, Hampton Pier Avenue, Herne Bay
• Fee: £20 (includes lunch and refreshments)
• Contact: Phil Rose (Branch Secretary), by email at HerneBayWEA@gmail.com or by phone on 01227 365 942

Oxus chariot model, Achaemenid Persian, 5th-4th century BC

New organisers for classic car shows

The city council has announced that Herne Bay Town Partners will organise this year’s Classic Car and Bike Shows in Herne Bay and Whitstable.

The events take place on Saturday 8 June in Whitstable and Sunday 18 August in Herne Bay and continue the tradition of creating great family days out that support the local economy and encourage visitors to the town.

All previous participants have already been contacted to advise them of the new organisers’ details.

For more information, or to get involved in this year’s shows, contact Herne Bay Town Partners on 07841 598 076 or email hernebaytp@gmail.com

CCC 6th May 2013

Local Plan: the role of Howe Barracks

Plans to build housing on Howe Barracks when it closes are "very limited" according to the city council leader.

Cllr John Gilbey said the authority "would be lucky to get 600 houses" out of the site – despite initial hopes the land could solve some of the city's road and housing problems. Mr Gilbey was speaking at the Abode hotel on Friday when traffic expert Dr Lynn Sloman presented her blueprint for sustainable transport in Canterbury.

Responding to comments by Dr Sloman about the potential for the barracks to become "an extension of Canterbury" after it closes, Mr Gilbey said:

"Any development would be very limited. Canterbury golf course takes up a huge swathe of land on its eastern end. Then there's a huge site of special scientific interest. If we get 600 houses we would be lucky, which is a great shame."

He also said the army planned to retain some of the houses on the site, along with land for shooting and training. But the Ministry of Defence said that while it would be keeping a very small number of homes for soldiers in Ashford and Folkestone, it would be selling the rest of the site when the barracks closes next year.

At the event, which attracted councillors, business-people and traffic campaigners, Dr Sloman said the city's medieval road layout was at odds with 21st century levels of traffic. She said promoting cycling, walking and bus use as an alternative to driving could have a big impact on the city's gridlocked streets, and spoke of the importance of the forthcoming Local Plan. She said:

"There's going to be a lot of changes in Canterbury. It's important that it's easier, more attractive and more natural for people to use sustainable transport."

She suggested measures including building developments near shops and services, and locating big employers next to public transport hubs, to reduce  people's dependence on cars.

To read Dr Sloman's report, which was commissioned by the Canterbury Society, visit transportforqualityoflife.com or canterburysociety.org.uk
 
thisiskent 4th May 2013

Surrealist threatened, undaunted

OFFENDING SIGN? Steve Coombes has been told to remove his posters

Independent Herne Bay candidate in county elections threatened with legal action by Canterbury City Council

An Independent candidate in today's county council elections has been threatened with possible legal action by Canterbury City Council.

Steve Coombes, who is promoting a festival to mark the centenary of artist Marcel Duchamp's visit to Herne Bay, was issued with a demand by the authority on Monday morning to take down election posters pasted onto a pedestrian zone sign in Mortimer Street.

But Mr Coombes says he was merely highlighting a legitimate political point. The former university lecturer said:

"The sign is so illegible and broken that the regulations which it is meant to announce are unenforceable. Moreover, £3,000 for Herne Bay community funds was used to pay for a traffic barrier that was not shut this Saturday, in consequence making both the expenditure and the barrier completely ludicrous."

Mr Coombes has not taken down the poster, or others which promote his BLAGA awards (British Local Authority Gallery of Absurdism) at eyesore The Bun Penny pub and King's Road car park, where he says the free parking scheme has gone unnoticed due to poor advertising

He said he will remove them after today's election. But a spokesman for Canterbury council said:

"We have been alerted by other election candidates that a road sign in Herne Bay showing a pedestrian zone has been obscured with election material of another candidate. This is a road safety matter for the police and Kent Highways to deal with. We have suggested to Mr Coombes that he removes this material, as it is in breach of highways legislation, and informed him that, if he doesn't, we will be urgently reporting the matter to Kent Highways."

thisiskent 3rd May 2013

Election roundup from thisiskent

Conservatives have won their fourth term in office with a six seat majority following one of the most tightly fought elections seen for decades.

They won 45 seats in total but UKIP kept the Tories on their toes gaining 17 seats across Kent - winning seven out of eight seats in Thanet and then grabbing two in Herne Bay at the last minute.

It also wrestled seats in Tunbridge Wells East from the Conservatives, in Folkestone North East and Folkestone South from the Conservatives, and in Folkestone West from the Lib Dems.

The UKIP party leader Nigel Farage told ThisisKent:

"This is a sea change in British politics and an amazing day. We are connecting with the decent people in Kent and I think we have made big big gains."

Labour won 13 seats and Liberal Democrats gained seven. Greens has one seat and the Swansombe Residents' Association (Independent) were voted back in again.

Council leader councillor Paul Carter told ThisisKent he was relieved they narrowly got past the line. He said:

"I am relieved in capital letters. We have got across the line and we are delighted. But we feel enormously for the long serving councillors who are unfortunately no longer with us."

Among his casualties included education cabinet member councillor Mike Whiting and longest-serving Conservative councillor Keith Ferrin who stood for Swale Central. He added:

"We knew it was going to be close. The cards will have to be adjusted. The electorate has spoken in the county shires."

Mr Carter admitted it was issues such as the country's future with Europe, immigration and the economy that had dented the party's popularity.

Conservative candidate John Davies for Tunbridge Wells West fought a tough battle against UKIP rival Victor Webb today winning 1831 votes to 1502.

UKIP came second in every division except Tunbridge Wells East which was successfully won by their candidate Chris Hoare.

Mr Davies blamed the Government's policies on gay marriage, immigration and Europe for the loss of Conservative votes today. He said:

"The reason why we have lost votes is because of these three national issues. The current administration now has to look out whether we have gone too far left."

Piers Wauchope, a UKIP spokesman, said:

"The result in Tunbridge Wells was particularly pleasing as the Conservatives put a big effort into the seat. The news from Shepway was great as well even in areas where we did not make such an effort to connect to the electorate."

thisiskent 3rd May 2013

KCC Election - Herne Bay

​Your new County councillors are:

​Herne Bay: Brian Macdowall (UKIP), Nicholas Bond (UKIP)

---

Herne and Sturry: Alan Marsh (Con)

VOTE!!!

Thursday 2nd May is election day.

We get to choose our County councillors.​

Whatever you do, be sure to cast your vote.​

​Best of all, vote Independent.

Steve Coombes - head and heart present and correct

The good news is that we have THREE Independent candidates standing for Herne Bay in the KCC election. Regular readers will already have been introduced to John Moore and Stan Truelove.

Now meet Steve Coombes - he's got his head screwed on and his heart's in the right place. What more could you want? He's done all sorts of telly stuff (and probably a few other things too), and has a knack for highlighting the dafter things our Council has done to us. Have a look at his site to find out more.​​

On Thursday, vote for Herne Bay. Vote Independent.

---

Steve Coombes

Steve Coombes, Herne Bay Independent candidate talks election issues

What's the difference between a totally corrupt planning system and what happens in Herne Bay?

Well, one sprays around change of use permissions to developers like confetti, blights the seafront and rewards attempts to make buildings derelict, then fails to ensure there are enough schools and health facilities to service the enormous number of flats and housing estates it is approving – and a totally corrupt planning system wouldn't be much better.

Last year, KCC allocated £2.1m to arts development while Canterbury council spent £8.5m on culture and enterprise. But sadly, very little of this money ever reaches Herne Bay. Try this fun quiz about recent controversies:

1. If you have a successful annual classic car rally which attracts up to 6,000 visitors to the town, would you privatise it and then stand idly by as the 2013 rally is postponed indefinitely? (Yes/No)
2. Would you outsource the Herne Bay festival to a Brighton events company on the grounds of Localism? (Yes/No)
3. Given there is £54,500 in the council budget for Christmas lights, would you allow most of that money to go elsewhere, so Herne Bay ends up with the worst Christmas tree in Britain? (Yes/ No)
4. Having erected said tree, would you then take no steps to hold anyone responsible? (Yes/No)
5. Would you then take every penny from the very small pot of money the town does have for culture and leisure and pledge to spend it on Christmas lights instead, so the council doesn't have to pay anything on trees and decorations in Herne Bay next year? (Yes/No)

If your answers are mainly Yes, you are an elected councillor. If your answers are mainly No, you are everyone else in Herne Bay who is absolutely gobsmacked by such municipal absurdity.

I'm all in favour of both – especially in Herne Bay.

thisiskent 17th Apr 2013

Hut scramble

If you've ever wanted to have a shack by the sea, now's your chance.​ Our Council have just finished putting up some new sheds, and have opened the bidding.

However, in what is fast becoming their signature style, everything has been left to the last minute, leaving the rest of the world very little time.

The notice went up on the Council website on 15th April 2013, with viewings on 20th April, and a closing date of 3rd May 2013.

These little huts go for thousands of pounds a time - this is not the kind of buying decision that most people would want to rush, and not many people will have a few grand burning a hole in their pockets, just waiting for an impulse purchase to come along.

---

Get your beach hut bids in now

A sealed bidding process for people who want to buy one of 10 new beach huts in Herne Bay and Whitstable has now begun.

The new beach huts – six at Spa Esplanade in Herne Bay and four at Marine Crescent in Whitstable – have just been completed.

Bids must be submitted to the council’s Foreshore Services by Friday 3 May. Successful bidders will be informed shortly afterwards and it is anticipated keys will be handed over in time for the bank holiday weekend at the end of May.

The council will be holding beach hut viewings on Saturday 20 April between 10am and midday in Herne Bay and between 1pm and 3pm in Whitstable. Viewings can be booked by calling Foreshore Services on 01227 266719.

Head of Community Development and Outdoor Leisure, Suzi Wakeham, said:

“We have had lots of interest from prospective buyers over the last few months and they have all now been sent copies of the brochure giving full details of the process involved. It’s a chance to own a brand new beach hut in a sought after location.”

For more information about the huts, call Foreshore Services on 01227 266719 or go to the Foreshore pages on the council's website .

​CCC 15th Apr 2013

Buckets of money to be poured into the Harbour

Our Council put a lot of time and effort into this bid to get a heap of European funding that will boost Whitstable's tourism by enhancing its museum offering and information centre.

Excellent. Well done.

Now it's Herne Bay's turn.​

---

Harbour funding bid gets green light

A city council bid for European funding for Whitstable Harbour has been successful.

The money is coming from the European Union Interreg IVa programme, for the partnerships bid Fostering Long Term Initiatives in Ports. The project sees the council working with a number of other small and medium sized ports including Dieppe, Le Havre, Newhaven and Torbay on initiatives that will improve performance, trade, efficiency and the local economy.

At Whitstable, the funding will go towards studies and models for the redevelopment of redundant buildings, a feasibility study for the development of a maritime heritage and information centre, studies into improved water and energy efficiency and cross border training and capacity building into innovative port financing.

Half of the money for the €600,000 project comes from the European Interreg fund, with the city council providing match funding for the other half.

The council’s Deputy Head of Culture and Enterprise, Dawn Hudd, said:

“Naturally we are very pleased that the bid was successful and are looking forward to working with our partners on both sides of the channel. We can all learn much from each other as we build up close links over the next few years. There is great potential for revamping some areas of the harbour, such as through the redevelopment of the south quay shed. But we want to make it clear that we will be working with local people throughout the process and making sure there is full public consultation on any development plans. We know how passionate the town’s residents are about their harbour.”

CCC 19th Apr 2013

A poster for your window

Vote for your town.

Vote Independent.

Click the poster to download a copy that you can print and proudly display in your window.

Dog Wardens

Here's a helpful service provided by the Council, Serco, and an outfit called Animal Wardens - between them they will do their best to return stray dogs to their owners. I think it would be a great help if they could also train the owners to "poop scoop".​

---

Big improvements to dog warden service

An enhanced service for lost and found dogs in the district is now up and running.

The city council is working with its contractor Serco and a company called Animal Wardens. People will now be able to report a lost or found dog between 8am and midnight, every day of the year, by calling 01227 290069.

Between 8am and 8pm, a warden will go out and collect a stray dog. Between 8pm and midnight, calls will be answered and arrangements made to collect the dog the next day.

A new website – www.animalwardens.co.uk – is also available for people to report that their pet is missing or to search to see if it has been found.

Animal Wardens staff will make every effort to reunite stray dogs with their owners, but owners are being reminded that it is a legal requirement that their pet has a collar and tag, even if it is also microchipped.

The council’s Head of Neighbourhood Services, Larissa Reed, said:

“A pet dog is an important part of the family and it can be very traumatic if it goes missing. We’re pleased to be improving the lost and found dog service by expanding the hours it operates and making it easier to find out whether a lost pet has been found. Owners can also help us by ensuring their dog has a collar and tag, because that way we can reunite them with their pet quickly and easily.”

CCC 5th Apr 2013

Lottery money for our Clocktower

Exciting proposals to bring new life to Herne Bay’s historic seafront clocktower have received initial financial backing from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

The city council submitted a phase one funding bid to the HLF in autumn 2012 and has just been awarded a development grant of £16,100. This allows further detailed planning work to take place ahead of a phase two bid for the full grant of £232,200 in November. The council is also contributing £100,000 to the project.

The proposals would see major refurbishment of the clocktower together with educational activities. Modern LED lighting would be installed, along with four webcams on the top of the clocktower and one inside showing the workings, with the pictures relayed live to a website. Displays relating to the history of the clocktower would also be created in a shop on the seafront as a visitor attraction and resource for schools.

Other activities include publishing an updated version of a book about the clocktower by local historian Mike Bundock and the development of culture and heritage walks around the town in partnership with Herne Bay Improvement Trust.

Over the next few months, firm plans for the project will be put together, which will involve extensive public participation. Demonstrating community support is key to securing phase two funding from the HLF.

The council’s Herne Bay Regeneration Manager, Patrick Rynne, said:

“The clocktower is a magnificent building and a focal point on the seafront, but its condition has deteriorated over the last few years. This project gives us the chance to restore it to its former glory and create a wonderful attraction for residents and visitors. We hope local people will want to join us on this journey and look forward to working with the community as we put the next part of the bid together. And we are naturally grateful for the support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, which is allowing us to develop this exciting project.”

A first-round pass means a project meets HLF criteria for funding and HLF believes the project has potential to deliver high quality benefits and value for Lottery money. The council’s application was in competition with other supportable projects, so a first-round pass is an endorsement of outline proposals.

Using money raised through the National Lottery, the HLF sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy.

From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environments and cultural traditions, the HLF invests in every part of the country’s diverse heritage. The HLF has supported more than £30,000 projects, allocating £4.7 billion across the UK. For more information, visit www.hlf.org.uk .

CCC 23rd Apr 2013

MOD Shoeburyness - Forthcoming Activity Alert: 29 April - 9 May 2013

Dear Resident,

Detailed below is advance notification of activities which may be noticed in your neighbourhood. All of the limitations and stipulations outlined below apply.  

Date - Reason for Notification

29 & 30 April 2013 - Gunfire may be noticed.

1 May 2013 - Gunfire and Explosions may be noticed.

2 & 3 May 2013 - Gunfire may be noticed.

8 May 2013 - Explosions may be noticed.

9 May 2013 - Some Public Right of Way routes will be closed overnight.

Note:

Local Gunfire = Gunfire that is likely to be noticed only by communities close to MOD Shoeburyness.

Gunfire = Gunfire that may be noticed by communities in the vicinity of the Thames Estuary.

Explosions = Explosions that may be noticed by communities in the vicinity of the Thames Estuary.      

MOD SHOEBURYNESS WEBSITE

This information was correct at the time of publishing. The most accurate and up to date information can be found on the MOD Shoeburyness website at www.shoeburyness.qinetiq.com, why not visit and save it to your favourites for quick access.

I hope that you find this information useful. Please feel free to pass it on to your neighbours.

Yours faithfully, Nicki

Limitations and Stipulations

QinetiQ operates to a strictly controlled and contracted noise limit of a maximum of 125 decibels (dB) at off-site monitors. If it is considered that an activity or activities are likely to create a negative impact on our neighbours QinetiQ will, prior to that activity taking place, carry out acoustic modelling, which gives an indication of the expected dB level that the activity will generate at various locations around the Thames Estuary. This process is repeated during the course of the day if necessary.

Although QinetiQ will endeavour to notify you when such activities are scheduled, please note that

they are subject to not only the daily acoustic forecast, but also to tide times, weather conditions and operational requirements.  Any one, or a combination of these factors may mean that the activity has to be cancelled and rescheduled at short notice and it may not be possible to provide you with an updated schedule of work.

Please be aware that QinetiQ carries out work at MOD Shoeburyness on behalf of the MOD, under contract with the Secretary of State for Defence.  Because of the nature of the work, QinetiQ is limited as to the level and detail of information it can provide in these communications. 

Shoeburyness Careline 0800 0560108 – this remains the official route for registering concerns about site activity.

Nicki Uden - Community Liaison Officer, SHOEBURYNESS RANGE
Tel: 0800 0560108
Email: nuden@QinetiQ.com

www.shoeburyness.QinetiQ.com
People Who Know How

Connect with us: Read our blog | Follow us on LinkedIn | Like us on FaceBook | Follow us on Twitter

This email and any attachments to it may be confidential and are intended solely for the use of the individual to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient of this email, you must neither take any action based upon its contents, nor copy or show it to anyone. Please contact the sender if you believe you have received this email in error. QinetiQ may monitor email traffic data and also the content of email for the purposes of security. QinetiQ Limited (Registered in England & Wales: Company Number: 3796233) Registered office: Cody Technology Park, Ively Road, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 0LX

http://www.qinetiq.com