Notice of Uncontested Election: Sandgate Village Ward 2023

Election of Parish Councillors for Sandgate Village Ward of Sandgate Parish Council on Thursday, 4 May 2023

I, S. Priest being the Returning Officer at the above election, report that the person whose name or
names that appear below were duly elected as Parish Councillor without contest for Sandgate Village
Ward of Sandgate Parish Council.

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Bee survey in Sandgate

Following on from a talk given in February by Dr Nikki Gammans, from the Bumble Bee Conservation Trust, the Sandgate Environmental Action group (SEA) are setting up bee survey walks in the local area  to help the Trust with their vital surveying work. 

Nikki explained that as well as bee friendly gardening (Bumble Bee Conservation Trust Gardening Advice) Bee Walks were something positive we could do.

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Folkestone Rowing Club Hosts Rowing Championship

On the 16th of September 2023, Folkestone Rowing Club are hosting the 66th South Coast Championship. This prestigious event will bring 800 – 1,000 people together on the beach at Sandgate to take part in the most important regatta in the coastal rowing season.

The Championship, which includes races for young people and for adults,

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Kent County Council: Community Services Consultation

Kent County Council (KCC) has launched a public consultation on its Community Services which runs until 26 March 2023.

The consultation proposes changes to the way we use our buildings to deliver some of our community services. We invite your feedback on our proposals as part of this consultation.

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Network Railcards and the 09:58 Folkestone West to St Pancras

Many train users locally have raised concerns about the recent Southeastern timetable change. This seemed to mean railcards (like Network Railcards) could no longer be used as before on the post peak trains to London, as the departure time from Folkestone Central and Folkestone West has changed from after 10 am to just before.

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English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) Bus Passes Bulk Renewals March 2023

Background: Kent County Council (KCC) manages the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (often also referred to as Older People’s Bus Passes) for Kent residents on behalf of central government. There are currently approximately 250,000 ENCTS pass-holders in Kent, who qualify either on the basis of age or disability.

Passes are issued for five years with an expiry date at the end of March,

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Beginner Computer Skills Training: New dates

Do you, or a friend or family member, need some help online?

Sometimes its hard to get the most basic starting point – I’ve got a tablet, but how do I use it to send email, or do banking?

In conjunction with Saga, Sandgate Parish Council are offering free basic computer skills and troubleshooting for the computer novice.

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Enbrook Stream Misconnections

Over the weekend our Chairman Tim Prater picked up on letters going out in the Enbrook Valley area to some houses regarding misconnections to the sewer, and requiring alterations.

We’ve been in touch with Southern Water this morning to get a clearer picture of the issue.

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Happy Christmas

As we approach Christmas, I just wanted to wish you all the best for a Happy Christmas and the New Year.

Despite the obvious and ongoing challenges, we will have seen Sandgate Library completely refurbished this year. The works have been funded from external grants, and made it much more welcoming and accessible to all (indeed,

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Beginner Computer Skills Training

Do you, or a friend or family member, need some help online?

Sometimes its hard to get the most basic starting point – I’ve got a tablet, but how do I use it to send email, or do banking?

In conjunction with Saga, Sandgate Parish Council are offering free basic computer skills and troubleshooting for the computer novice.

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Electoral Commission Guide on Voter ID for 2023 English Local Elections

The UK Government has introduced a requirement for voters to show photo ID when voting at a polling station at some elections. This new requirement will apply for the first time in England at the local elections on Thursday 4 May 2023.

We know that some groups are more likely to experience barriers in preparing for this change and may need support to access photo ID.

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Otterpool Park – Local Planning Authority Update

The Local Planning Authority has received further information in relation to the Outline Planning Application for Otterpool Park and a minimum 30 day statutory consultation period will start today ending on January 9th 2023.

Further details of the amendments and information provided can be found on the dedicated Otterpool Park webpage below which is now live: 

https://www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/otterpoolpark/planningapplication/updated/2022

The further information consists of the following documents:

  • Amendments to the Development Specification
  • Amendments to the Strategic Design Principles
  • Habitat Regulations Assessment Stage 1 and Stage 2
  • Nutrient Neutrality Updated Report
  • Transport Response Report

As per our previous updates a Guide to the Outline Planning Application can be found at the link below:

https://www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/media/5055/OP6-Guide-to-the-Planning-Application-2022/pdf/OP6_Guide_to_the_Planning_Application.pdf?m=637860849101670000

Any person wishing to make representations about these updates and amendments can submit comments on-line using the above web address. 

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Cost of Living Support

Folkestone and Hythe residents worried about meeting the rising costs of living may be able to get support to help with everyday costs.

Depending on their circumstances residents could be eligible for schemes from Folkestone & Hythe District Council, Kent County Council or central government. There is also support available from local and national organisations and charities.

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Proposed New Folkestone and Hythe Constituency Boundaries

The Boundary Commission for England (BCE) is redrawing constituency boundaries in order to rebalance the number of electors represented by each MP, and a final consultation on proposed new constituencies is now open.

A new revised map of constituency proposals, which takes into account feedback sent in by the public on the initial proposals,

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Could You Help Sandgate as a Flood Warden?

A Flood Warden is a volunteer trained to help and prepare people in local communities that are at risk of flooding. They play an important role in the preparing a community flood plan and putting it in to practice. In Sandgate we would also ask you to meet the Parish Council annually to update us on the flood plan.

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Invitation to tender: Granville Parade block external redecoration

Sandgate Parish Council maintains the public toilet and kiosk block on Granville Parade. We are issuing this invitation to tender for the Granville Parade block external redecoration.

Granville Parade block External Redecoration Specification

To work in consultation with the kiosk operator and neighbours to minimise disruption to trading and operation of toilets.

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Sandgate Library: New Beginnings 2022

We’ve been doing something *very* special to Sandgate Library…

Over the last month, the library has had a lot of improvements. A new accessible toilet has been built, and the front door access improved for wheelchairs and buggies. We’ve added new storage and changed the lighting to be more energy efficient and less hard on the eyes.

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Folkestone and Hythe District Planning Matters – Have Your Say On Community Involvement

The way residents are consulted on local planning matters in the future is the subject of a new public consultation launched by Folkestone & Hythe District Council.

Comments on the updated Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) – a document which explains how people can get involved in decisions about plan-making and planning applications in the district – are now being sought.

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Sandgate Sustainability Action Group

The Sandgate Sustainability Action Group (a part of the Sandgate Society) were at several events over the summer such as the Sandgate Sale Safari and Sandgate Sea Festival and got lots of ideas from members of the community which they want to put into action. Some ideas are fairly simple and some will need more research and planning.

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Postponement of Sandgate Parish Council Meetings 13th September 2022

Please note the Sandgate Parish Council meetings (Full Council and Planning Committee) scheduled for this evening (13th September) have been postponed until 27th September due to the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Revised agendas will be issued for the 27th September meetings on 20th September.

The post Postponement of Sandgate Parish Council Meetings 13th September 2022 appeared first on Sandgate Parish Council.

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Proclamation Reading for Charles III for the Parish of Sandgate: Delivered Sunday 11th September, 4pm

We come together this afternoon following the passing of our late Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth the Second. Our sadness at this time is shared by people across the globe, as we remember with affection and gratitude the lifetime of service given by our longest reigning Monarch. But the basis on which our monarchy is built has ensured that through the centuries the Crown has passed in an unbroken line of succession.

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Proclamation of the new King

Following the passing of our late Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth the Second, a proclamation of the new King Charles III will be read across the country over the weekend of 10 and 11 September.

The proclamation of the new Sovereign is a very old tradition which can be traced back over many centuries.

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The Rainbow Centre Big Sleep Out 2022

The Rainbow Centre Big Sleep Out event is again able to take place outdoors: and our new venue for 2022 is at Saga Enbrook Park grounds on Friday 16 September from 7 pm until 7 am.

Sleeping rough is the daily reality for many disadvantaged people in Folkestone &

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Sandgate Library temporary closure: September 2022

Sandgate Library will be temporarily closing for refurbishment work. The library will be closed from Monday 5 September 2022 for 3 weeks, re-opening on Monday 26 September.

Alternative local libraries include Hythe Library, Cheriton Library and Folkestone Library. We also have a number of mobile library stops in the local area including Golden Valley (Digby Road) and Seabrook (Seabrook Court).

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Sandgate Parish Council Full Annual Return 2021-2022

Sandgate Parish Council is defined as a “smaller authority” for the purposes of publication of its annual accounts and statements.

The Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 and the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 require that:

1. The accounting records for the financial year to which the audit relates and all books,

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Appeal following racist incidents in Folkestone

Witnesses are being sought following two incidents involving alleged racism in Folkestone.

It was reported that at around 5.30pm on Monday 20 June 2022, a man and a woman intervened after witnessing three men being racially abusive towards other people walking along The Leas. When challenged, the man was assaulted and his dog was kicked.

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Discretionary Council Tax Energy Rebate Scheme Launched to Support More Households

More households in the Folkestone & Hythe district could soon be eligible for a council tax energy rebate.

Folkestone and Hythe District Cabinet members have agreed on the criteria for a new discretionary scheme using £302,100 funding from the government.

To date, people living in properties in council tax bands A to D (and E if in receipt of Disability Band Reduction) are being given a one-off payment of £150 to help with the increasing cost of energy bills.

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Applications for Energy Rebate Scheme to Open

Folkestone & Hythe District Council has launched the next phase of the energy rebate scheme.

The government is providing a £150 rebate to council tax payers in bands A-D (and E if in receipt of disabled persons reduction) to help with rising energy costs. This is a one-off payment and will not have to be repaid.

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Kent Connect to Support

The new Kent Connect to Support website will help people find accessible, easy to navigate, interactive information and advice on care and support, for them, a relative or a friend.  It can help people to look after themselves, stay independent and connect with their local community. 

The website contains useful information to help people find out:

  • what sort of support they may need and what’s available near them;

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Sandgate Parish Meeting 2022: Chairman’s Overview

Firstly, many thanks for coming to our first “in person” Parish Meeting since, unbelievably, 2019. For those that I haven’t met in person before, I’m Tim Prater, and I’ve had the honour of being the Chair of Sandgate Parish Council since May 2020. This is therefore my first Town Meeting in the Chair: please be gentle with me.

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Sandgate Walking Tours 2022

Sandgate Parish Council are delighted that the Sandgate Walking Tours programme led by Tony Quarrington will be returning for its third year, and another 10 tours, in 2022.

The tours will run on Saturday mornings between 16th April and 14th September, departing at 11am from the Chichester Hall,

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Rescheduled Temporary Road Closure – Temporary Road Closure – Brambley Crescent, Sandgate – 14th March 2022 for 19 Days

Kent Highways Notice: Temporary Road Closure – Brambley Crescent, Sandgate – 14th March 2022 for 19 Days

It will be necessary to close part of Brambley Crescent, Sandgate, from 14th March 2022 with estimated completion by 1st April 2022.

Brambley Crescent, Sandgate, will be closed between the junction of Enbrook Valley and the side of Cedar Court,

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Solar Panels and Battery Storage Scheme Launched

Folkestone & Hythe District Council has teamed up with Kent County Council for Solar Together Kent, a group-buying initiative for solar panels and battery storage.

Residents looking to save on energy bills and reduce their carbon emissions are being invited to take part in the innovative new scheme.

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Queen’s Jubilee Street Party 2022 Applications

Kent County Council have released an application form for holding a Jubilee Street Party for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

This type of Road Closure ONLY applies to the following type of event:

Streetparty.org.uk website

  • For residents/neighbours only
  • Small cul-de-sac and quiet estate roads
  • No selling is involved

The form is suitable for applications for road closures over the 2022 Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend.

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Folkestone & Hythe COVID Omicron Business Grants – OHLG and ARG

This update is further to the government announcement on 21st December 2021 about further grant funding for businesses severely affected by the COVID Omicron variant.

This has resulted in two grant schemes now available to some Folkestone & Hythe businesses – the Omicron Hospitality & Leisure Grant (OHLG) for eligible businesses within the rating system (i.e.

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Make History – Save History with the Shorncliffe Trust

The Shorncliffe Trust are pleased to announce the launch their 2022 Fundraiser Campaign. Today’s launch date of 16th January is significant in the history of Shorncliffe being the anniversary of the death of Sir John Moore at the Battle of Corunna in 1809. Sir John is recognised as the father of the modern British Army and Shorncliffe its birthplace!

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Enbrook Stream: Pollution incidents

A number of times, but seemingly randomly, we have had reported pollution incidents in the Enbrook Stream, where the stream as it runs into Enbrook Park is discoloured and clearly has had some sort of discharge into it. The incidents are irregular, seemingly random, and have cleared quite quickly: often an hour later,

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Sandgate Library CLOSED for the next few days

Over the weekend, Sandgate Library has sprung a leak, and it’s currently a bit wet!

Works are already in hand to sort and fix the cause of the problem (blocked drain to the flat roof above), and to then deal with the clean up required before we can reopen (cleaning carpets,

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New Dates for FREE Kent Covid training

Over the coming months, it is important that COVID and infection control continues to remain a priority. 

Kent County Council has recently commissioned free COVID / infection safe training and advice. It’s available free for:

  • sole traders with a Unique Tax Reference;
  • small and microbusinesses registered via companies house;

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Stop Loan Sharks

Stop Loan Sharks

Have you or anyone you know:

  • Been offered a cash loan without paperwork?
  • Been threatened when you couldn’t pay?
  • Had your benefit or bank card taken from you?
  • Had a loan which keeps growing even though you are making payments?

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Home Office’s future use of Napier Barracks – update from Folkestone & Hythe District Council

Folkestone & Hythe District Council has been advised that the government is intending to extend its use of Napier Barracks to house those seeking asylum in the UK until September 2025.

Responding to this announcement Councillor Jenny Hollingsbee, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “The council has not had any role in this decision as the government is using special planning regulations to extend the use on a temporary basis for another four years.

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Join the Library, Borrow a Book: Maybe Win a Prize!

We’re really proud that Sandgate Library is the only “Parish run” library in Kent.

To celebrate, as part of the Sandgate Sea and Food Festival, we are having an Open Day this Sunday (29th August) from 10am-2pm.Anybody who either joins Sandgate Library on Sunday (its free – just turn up with a couple of forms of ID) or borrows a book (or more!) from the Library will be entered into a prize draw.

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Booking to visit a Kent Household Waste Recycling Centre Consultation

Kent County Council are currently consulting on the future use of a booking system for customers to access our Household Waste Recycling Centres (sometimes known as the ‘tip’).

They say: 

“Feedback since we started using the booking system suggests that many customers have found it convenient and useful but that some would still prefer to just ‘turn up and go’. 

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Sandgate Library’s Event Schedule from 6th September


We’re delighted to say that our library event schedule is returning from September 6th!

Clubs and events will restart from Monday September 6th 2021.

Monday
Baby Rhyme Time
10.15-10.45

Second Monday Of The Month
Book Club
11.00-12.00

Monday
Scrabble
1.30 – 3.30

Second & Fourth Tuesday
Knit And Knatter
10.00 – 12.00

Thursday
Talk Time
2.00 – 3.00

Friday
Baby Rhyme Time
Session 1: 10.15 – 10.45
Session 2 : 11.00 – 11.30

All events must be booked in advance via the library email 

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Opportunity to comment on the draft Folkestone Town Centre Place Plan

Final feedback on the actions and priorities included in Folkestone town centre’s draft Place Plan is being sought from residents and businesses.

The Place Plan sets the direction for a sustainable and vibrant future for Folkestone Town Centre. Folkestone & Hythe District Council commissioned this work to ensure we can create the best future for Folkestone town centre and for all those who live in,

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Shorncliffe Trust 2021 Heritage Walking Tour programme

The Shorncliffe Trust are pleased to announce new dates in our 2021 Heritage Walking Tour programme. Find out more about history on your doorstep by joining us for a 90 minute guided tour of the former military training land and learn more about its hidden heritage assets. Shorncliffe; birthplace of the modern British Army under Sir John Moore.

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Folkestone graffiti tagger jailed for one year

A Folkestone graffiti tagger who cost his victims a total of £51,000 in damages has been jailed for a year.

On Wednesday 3 June 2020 at around 7.30am, Jordan Piper sprayed graffiti on two fence panels belonging to a guest house in Cheriton Road. CCTV captured the incident and it was shared on social media.

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Sandgate Parish Council Annual Return 2020-21

Sandgate Parish Council is defined as a “smaller authority” for the purposes of publication of its annual accounts and statements.

The Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 and the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 require that:

1. The accounting records for the financial year to which the audit relates and all books,

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Sandgate Beach Gets Seaside Award for NINTH Year Running

Sandgate beach has been named as one of country’s best beaches by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy – for the NINTH year running!

Sandgate’s award places it amongst the country’s very best beaches, from popular holiday spots to quiet, more hidden-away spots. What unites them all is knowing that they are clean,

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Cheriton, Sandgate & Hythe East Division of Kent County Council: Declaration of Results

Election of councillors to Kent County Council for the Cheriton, Sandgate & Hythe East division on Thursday 6 May 2021

Candidate
Description (if any)
Number of votes cast

BINGHAM Paul Richard
Labour Party
792

LOVE Rory Cassian
The Conservative Party Candidate
2143

PRATER Tim
Liberal Democrats
2122

SEGAL Eric
Trade Unionists and Socialists Against Cuts
91

Turnout: 34.95%

Declaration_of_results_-_Cheriton_Sandgate_and_Hythe_East

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Dog Owners Reminded of Responsibilities Ahead of Summer

From Saturday 1 May the annual seasonal dog restrictions will come into force and dogs will be banned from certain beaches across the district until 30 September. Ahead of this, Folkestone & Hythe District Council is urging dog owners to be responsible this summer and enjoy beaches considerately.

Nine stretches of beach have a summer beach ban however,

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Check Your Waste Calendar for Changes

Some residents may experience a change to their bin day and/or week from Monday 10 May – while all residents could have their waste collected at a different time of day.

Folkestone & Hythe District Council and Veolia are working together to make collections more streamlined and reliable.

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In Memory of Zoe Varian

It is with great sadness that I write to tell you that Zoe Varian passed away on Sunday 25th April. It was her wish to be in her own bedroom and surrounded by her family and for her it was a peaceful end with Nick at her side after a short but courageous fight.

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A Vital Lifeline for Local Residents

An emergency scheme run by Folkestone & Hythe District Council to help those on their own and those who are vulnerable has again been recognised for providing the highest standards of customer service.

Lifeline365, which provides a range of services for use in the home and also for those working outdoors or enjoying sporting activities alone,

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Book of Condolence Online

In normal times, Sandgate Parish Council would have joined with local authorities across the country in opening a formal book of condelence for people to sign to pay their respects to Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, who died on Friday.

However Government guidance issued today (11 April) makes it clear that we should not do so at this time,

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Consultation on Local Authority remote meetings

The Government is seeking views on the use of the current arrangements which have allowed local authorities to hold meetings remotely during the pandemic. They are inviting views from the public, elected members and officers.

If you wish to give your views you can do so using the link below –

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